This blog is In memory of Shirley Ruzumna. My mom and my best friend. We will all miss you forever! But we will cherish your memories.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
September 12, 2010
Mom loves her Lazyboy chair. She is in great spirits. I am going home today but will be back next week. Shana Tova.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
September 11, 2010 - Day after Rosh Hashanah
Well, its been a while since I have posted. I will try to do a better job so you all know what is going on. I was in Michigan last weekend for Labor Day for a whirlwind 48 hour trip. My mom was doing okay and prior to the Labor Day holiday she was walking with the physical therapist. I helped her caregivers take care of her. She still has a smile on her face, when she is not tired. She also had a lot of visitors and my mom is very lucky to have such wonderful people in her life. And speaking of wonderful people, her caregivers Catherine and Joan are amazing. They are immensely caring people and take very good care of my mom.
Thanks to all who have called, visited, sent their prayers. You have no idea how much that means to my mom to our family.
I came back to Detroit on Thursday to spend Rosh Hashana. And believe me, it hard to say this is going to be a "sweet" or "happy" new year. All we can hope for is that my mom will grow stronger, so she can receive treatment. I am not unrealistic, but still have to remain positive for my mom and my dad. So really, I am thankful to know my mom is not in pain, is at home and is surrounded people who love her.
It is really day by day as you can imagine. On Thursday when I arrived, I was greeted by a house full of people and a big smile on my mom's face. Although, I am a pretty sure that smile was for her grandson, even though she was happy to see Larry and I. That night, we ordered dinner and carried my mom up to the kitchen for dinner. We all had greek food and enjoyed being with mom and being together.
On Friday, she had a tough day, she was uncomfortable. Restless. And probably a bit over tired from all the excitement. Friday night, my Dad made a special Shabbat Dinner for my mom. We set the table with her favorite China and crystal and had a traditional Friday night dinner. As always, Rabbi Ed, led the prayers and we all joined in. My mom really enjoyed the dinner and Uncle Milt, Marcia and cousin Barbara were there to be a part of our holiday dinner.
Saturday, was a better day, once my mom got some sleep. She again had a lot of visitors from in and out of town, which made her smile. And my dad bought her a very comfy Lazyboy chair (aka. Lazylady Chair), which she seems to be more comfortable sitting and sleeping in. And he picked out the perfect fabric that goes with the rest of the furniture.
Really, that is a small thing, but my Dad has been amazing and is an inspiration to my mom. He holds her hand, kisses her, feeds her and is so wonderful. And while my mom has caregivers around the clock and many many people around her, I feel like my dad needs support too. So Steve and I try hard to be there for him too.
Overall, my mom is not in pain. The sad news is that they cannot treat the cancer now because she it too weak. But she is trying to get stronger and we will continue to encourage her.
Thanks to all who have called, visited, sent their prayers. You have no idea how much that means to my mom to our family.
I came back to Detroit on Thursday to spend Rosh Hashana. And believe me, it hard to say this is going to be a "sweet" or "happy" new year. All we can hope for is that my mom will grow stronger, so she can receive treatment. I am not unrealistic, but still have to remain positive for my mom and my dad. So really, I am thankful to know my mom is not in pain, is at home and is surrounded people who love her.
It is really day by day as you can imagine. On Thursday when I arrived, I was greeted by a house full of people and a big smile on my mom's face. Although, I am a pretty sure that smile was for her grandson, even though she was happy to see Larry and I. That night, we ordered dinner and carried my mom up to the kitchen for dinner. We all had greek food and enjoyed being with mom and being together.
On Friday, she had a tough day, she was uncomfortable. Restless. And probably a bit over tired from all the excitement. Friday night, my Dad made a special Shabbat Dinner for my mom. We set the table with her favorite China and crystal and had a traditional Friday night dinner. As always, Rabbi Ed, led the prayers and we all joined in. My mom really enjoyed the dinner and Uncle Milt, Marcia and cousin Barbara were there to be a part of our holiday dinner.
Saturday, was a better day, once my mom got some sleep. She again had a lot of visitors from in and out of town, which made her smile. And my dad bought her a very comfy Lazyboy chair (aka. Lazylady Chair), which she seems to be more comfortable sitting and sleeping in. And he picked out the perfect fabric that goes with the rest of the furniture.
Really, that is a small thing, but my Dad has been amazing and is an inspiration to my mom. He holds her hand, kisses her, feeds her and is so wonderful. And while my mom has caregivers around the clock and many many people around her, I feel like my dad needs support too. So Steve and I try hard to be there for him too.
Overall, my mom is not in pain. The sad news is that they cannot treat the cancer now because she it too weak. But she is trying to get stronger and we will continue to encourage her.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The news is not good!
Well, It is Wednesday, August 25th, my mom came home from the hospital yesterday. She is very weak and unfortunately, the oncologist told us that the tumor is growing in her head and that she is too weak for surgery. She is happy to be home and immediately wanted to be in HER KITCHEN! That by far is her favorite room in the house. For now, it is important that mom is as comfortable as possible and is with her family and friends. The doc says it could be weeks or if we are lucky months.
As some of you know, Lane was in the hospital last week and on Monday night. As soon as I know more about his kidney biopsy and we are comfortable that he is okay, I will be in Detroit and we are also planning on spending the holidays in Detroit.
In the meantime, please go visit my mom. I know she will be happy to see everyone and it is important that we surround her with family, friends and lots of love.
Also, please post your favorite Shirley stories and pics. I know she will love this!
Love,
Ilene
As some of you know, Lane was in the hospital last week and on Monday night. As soon as I know more about his kidney biopsy and we are comfortable that he is okay, I will be in Detroit and we are also planning on spending the holidays in Detroit.
In the meantime, please go visit my mom. I know she will be happy to see everyone and it is important that we surround her with family, friends and lots of love.
Also, please post your favorite Shirley stories and pics. I know she will love this!
Love,
Ilene
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sorry for the late update - Friday, August 20, 2010
Hi All:
Well I apologize to all for not updating the blog sooner. We have had our own issues in Chicago as Lane is not in the hospital. While I was in Detroit, Lane had an eczema infection and was taking antibiotics. Then on Tuesday his eyes swelled up. And on Wednesday his whole face swelled up. After visiting 2 docs and the ER, we determined that his kidneys were spilling protein, which was causing the swelling. So, he is in the hospital to figure out why it is happening and how to treat it. We think the kidney issue was triggered from the infection and the treatment will be a diuretic and low sodium diet or possibly a steroid. The good news is this is hopefully not a re-occuring thing.
So now to my mom. Mom had an MRI yesterday to check the progress of reducing the swelling in her brain. We are waiting for the results of this. In addition, they are giving her blood thinners and her blood is too thin, so they are working to regulate here blood. Otherwise, she will be going home for rehab. Will update as soon as I speak to the doc.
Ilene
Well I apologize to all for not updating the blog sooner. We have had our own issues in Chicago as Lane is not in the hospital. While I was in Detroit, Lane had an eczema infection and was taking antibiotics. Then on Tuesday his eyes swelled up. And on Wednesday his whole face swelled up. After visiting 2 docs and the ER, we determined that his kidneys were spilling protein, which was causing the swelling. So, he is in the hospital to figure out why it is happening and how to treat it. We think the kidney issue was triggered from the infection and the treatment will be a diuretic and low sodium diet or possibly a steroid. The good news is this is hopefully not a re-occuring thing.
So now to my mom. Mom had an MRI yesterday to check the progress of reducing the swelling in her brain. We are waiting for the results of this. In addition, they are giving her blood thinners and her blood is too thin, so they are working to regulate here blood. Otherwise, she will be going home for rehab. Will update as soon as I speak to the doc.
Ilene
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
I spent the weekend in Chicago, and am getting ready for Lane to start High School in just two weeks. I spoke to my Dad today and he told me mom looks good. I will call the doctor tomorrow and see what they are planning for this week. I will be back in Detroit on Friday or Saturday, but will post updates in the meantime. For now, no news is good news.
Love,
Ilene
Love,
Ilene
Friday, August 13, 2010
Mystery Solved - Grandma Joe's Hebrew Name
Well thank you to cousin Andrea and Aunty Arlene, Grandma Joe's Hebrew name is Pessell. And again my mom's is Sora Hendel. Thanks again for all the prayers.
Ilene
Ilene
Friday August 13th - And no, I am not superstitious! Plus what is Grandma Joe's Hebrew Name
I visited the hospital this morning before heading back to Chicago. Mom looked really good. Her color was good, her vitals were good and she was eating breakfast. Its still a little hard for her to talk because of the tube that was down her throat, but that will go away.
In the meantime, she is on the steroid meds to reduce the swelling in the brain and the seizure preventative meds as I said earlier in the week. She is still in ICU until a room becomes available in the step down, which should be today. From there she will most likely move to the in-patient rehab. They will also be doing dopplers in her arms and legs to make sure there are no blood clots.
The speech therapist came in this morning and she was swallowing great. She is very nice and will be working with Mom on her speech as soon as she is out of ICU.
I know some of you have asked what Mom's Hebrew name is. It is Sora Hendel. I don't know what Grandma Joe's Hebrew name is. So if any family members read this, please post in the comments. Thank you for all your prayers.
Love, Ilene
In the meantime, she is on the steroid meds to reduce the swelling in the brain and the seizure preventative meds as I said earlier in the week. She is still in ICU until a room becomes available in the step down, which should be today. From there she will most likely move to the in-patient rehab. They will also be doing dopplers in her arms and legs to make sure there are no blood clots.
The speech therapist came in this morning and she was swallowing great. She is very nice and will be working with Mom on her speech as soon as she is out of ICU.
I know some of you have asked what Mom's Hebrew name is. It is Sora Hendel. I don't know what Grandma Joe's Hebrew name is. So if any family members read this, please post in the comments. Thank you for all your prayers.
Love, Ilene
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