Update on Grandma: One Day at a Time

Grandma was finally able to get her Aranesp shot on Tuesday, March 18th. We were all hopeful that we’d see a big improvement over the course of the week, like we did last time—but unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case.

After receiving the injection, we took her to the ER at Taylor Regional Hospital in Hawkinsville, where she was admitted. They discovered she had pneumonia and a severe UTI. She was treated with Rocephin, and just yesterday, she was discharged into Hospice care.

She’s now back on a Foley catheter, and her mobility is extremely limited. She has lost all control of her bladder and bowels, and her legs are very swollen. She can still stand and hold herself up with help, and she’s able to take a few steps at a time, but it’s difficult. It takes her a moment to catch her balance, and she can’t assist me very much in transfers.

Starting Hospice Care

Let me start by saying:

This isn’t goodbye.

I don’t believe Grandma is dying. But I do think we’re witnessing a decline, and I hope with everything in me that I’m wrong—because if anyone can bounce back, it’s her.

Hospice has already been a huge blessing. They’ve brought in all the medical equipment we need. Each day, someone from the team is here to help us navigate this new normal. Grandma is now at my house, and together, we’re learning:

• How to transfer her from chair to bed
• How to get her comfortable
• How to help her retain some independence and dignity as her needs change

Understanding What Led to This

Looking back, we believe Grandma was struggling before her fall, and we missed it. When she was admitted to the hospital after her fall, her sodium was dangerously low, and that likely played a big role in why she fell in the first place.

She told us her rollator tipped forward, but now we think she may have simply been dizzy or lightheaded due to the sodium imbalance and lost her balance.

Adjusting to a New Normal

Grandma is aware this is her new normal. It’s too soon to say if she’s truly happy here—but I can say this:
She’s enjoyed my dogs, chickens and Nate, and I think they’ve lifted her spirits a bit.

What I know without a doubt is this: I love this woman from the deepest part of my soul.  And I will do everything in my power to make sure the days ahead are filled with love and comfort.

Stay Connected

One of my biggest concerns is that she’s now far away from her community. Being here with me means she’s two hours away from Hawkinsville, and I know how many of you love her and love visiting her. She loves the visits too.  So please know—you’re all welcome to come see her anytime.
 

If you can't make the trip, she has her phone with her and would be so happy to hear from you. Want to do a video call instead? I can absolutely help make that happen. I know it would bring a big smile to her face to see your face.



She loves each of you so much—I hope you feel that.

What’s Next

We’ll continue to take it one day at a time.

I’ll keep working with her to rebuild strength and movement. And the hospice team will be here daily to support us both. As always, I’ll keep sharing updates with you all.

Thank you for continuing to walk this road with us. ❤️

— Jamie