Descent into Alzheimer's Disease

After all that analyzing about the new schedule and after deciding to take it; I changed my mind at the last minute. I had persuaded myself to do it. After all, there were lots of things on my ‘pros’ list. Then I woke up Saturday morning with a huge, “What are you thinking?!” shrieking through my brain.

I have been so happy with the earlier hours, I decided it wouldn’t be the best decision to make such a drastic change. I think I could work til midnight without turning my whole world upside down, so I’ll keep my eyes open for a better opportunity and stay put until then.

Tana has adjusted well to her e-collar. I haven’t been able to clean the wax off the right ear, though. I’ll keep trying and hopefully it will eventually clear up. The vet bills are really piling up and he charged me triple last time. Arg. I wasn’t expecting the price hike and I was none too happy. I canceled her last appointment and told them I would remove the bandages myself in two weeks and save myself $100. Heh.

Anyway, this evening the vet called me and was very sweet and apologized for the long wait I had before my appointment (40 minutes) and tried to explain all the charges to me. I felt like he was sincere and I felt kinda bad. I told him I did appreciate him taking the time to call me.

I’ll still probably take the bandages off myself, but I didn’t tell him that. If I change my mind, at least things are okay between us.

I like this vet and the others who work there. It’s a great place.... but everything is so expensive!

I let Tana out back yesterday and the kids next door were out playing. They all stopped to stand and stare at my wierd looking dog. I guess she does kinda look like she’s part of the Jetson’s or something. Heh.

I had the joy of my second mammogram today. It was uncomfortable, to be sure, but nothing like the excruciating pain of my first one! For some reason my doctor scheduled it at a hospital in Salem and I had no idea where I was going. It’s always fun trying to find your way around the hospital maze, but I made it there in plenty of time. They had called and told me to be there 1/2 hour early to register, then registered me on the phone. They also told me to bring ID and insurance cards and whatnot. However, once I arrived, nobody asked me any questions or had me ‘register’ and I didn’t show any cards. I was so happy I found the place that I didn’t get irritated.

I also saw a friend from my Alzheimer’s group there and we got to chat for a few minutes.

I hope I don’t need any more tests run. I might get sent to a different time zone next time.

Mom is doing pretty well, although I suspected another UTI and called the doctor for a prescription. I left a message on the nurse’s answering machine and didn’t mention that Mom isn’t living with me. They called in the RX without a urine catch like they used to before I placed her. It is terribly difficult to get a sample from her these days as she is totally incontinent and never uses the toilet anymore. I hope the med techs are able to get the antibiotics down her.

She is very intrigued by Tana’s weird apparatus around her neck and keeps pulling on it. Tana doesn’t mind too much. She loves Grandma because if she stares at her enough, she always comes through with some sort of food. Today Mom had a piece of chocolate in her fingers and was also pulling on her collar. Tana snaked her tongue out like a lizard trying to grab it, but Chris whisked her away before she connected.

Chris sat Mom down in the recliner and laid her back, covering her with a pretty quilt. She sat there quietly while I cut up all the makings for a pot of beef stew. Every now and then I would look in and smile at her and she would smile back real big. I should have taken her picture.

On the way back to Facility the sun was in her eyes, so I gave her my sunglasses.

She sat there looking like a movie star with my dark glasses and the scarf I had tied around her head to keep her ears warm. I was so happy to be able to share my glasses to bring her that tiny measure of comfort for just a few minutes. I reached over and patted her cold hand.

One more day with my Mom. One more day with those sweet hugs and kisses. One more precious gift from our most gracious Lord.

Psalm 4:5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.