15 Sep Saturday
An 'off' day for him; woke up feeling weak and a bit nauseated. Still performed his morning routine but just preferred to lay down on the couch. Explained to him that it's probably part anxiety due to the upcoming trip to San Diego and the admittance to the Oasis of Hope. Mila and family came again and brought some food. Leanne and John-C bought a 'doughnut' for butt support and a neck cushion for the trip to San Diego.
16 Sep Sunday
Had a late start for San Diego around 11 am due to nausea and getting all his gear (wheelchair, walker, oxygen tanks, medication, kangen water, etc.)loaded up. Threw up his breakfast just before getting on the van but also relieved his dizziness. Had a better trip this time and only stopped once to readjust the doughnut and bathroom break. He was strong enough to shift position by pulling himself up using the overhead handle. Arrived home in San Diego around 4 pm; had another bout of dizziness after getting off the van and threw up his lunch. Again, felt better afterwards. Jr. and family brought dinner: broiled bangus/tilapia, chopsuey, garlic shrimp, steak, papaitan and dessert. Jr. stayed behind with Cesar while everyone else attended a late mass (9 pm) at USD.
17 Sep Mon
Cesar is finally admitted to the Oasis of Hope. We drove to the San Diego airport around 9:30 for the shuttle service but the first batch filled up the van so another car was sent to pick us up along with another couple. This worked out better because Jr. and I were able to come along. We were met by his PR (patient representative) upon arrival who escorted us to his room and briefed us. She is the main contact for all his needs and is available throughout the day. His first day included drawing blood samples, an interview/screening by the doctor and his first supply of daily supplements.
He was in good spirits and was able to provide a lot of information about his medical history. I think the interview was dual purpose: to gather information about his medical history and also to test his memory and thinking ability. The doctor was able to get enough information to compare with the records we brought along from the other treatment facilities in Carson City and Reno.
We were able to sample the nutritious meal at lunch and were quite surprised on how tasty it was. The selections are laid out buffet style in three separate tables and consisted of organic foods full of vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and greens. There was a separate table for drinks of freshly squeezed juice including rice? juice which we didn't try. Bottom line is everyone eats healthy and nutritious food while at the facility.
Basically, anyone admitted here is treated in a very personal basis. Everyone is assigned a PR (patient/personal representative) and a doctor who are on call at all times. The treatments are all alternative and holistic, but also include mental and physical therapy as well as interactive group sessions.
18 Sep Tuesday
Cesar's first full day at the facility and he relayed the events after I called him around 6 pm. He had his first treatment of ozone infusion in the morning, supplement for his low red blood count afterwards and Vitamin C infusion in the afternoon. His reactions included tightness in the chest, pain in the lower back and waist area and nausea. These side effects are normal according to the doctor and he was given medication. His voice was strong especially when he described the pretty nurses and staff that came to his room.
19 Sep Wednesday
He was taken to another hospital downtown along with other patients for CT scans. A staff member came along to help him in and out of the van and also push his wheelchair. Had a bout of nausea and threw up while in the hospital. Leonor gave him his first bath since leaving the hospital at Carson and also had his catheter replaced. Appetite is good but complains about the 'healthy' food. Also had the same treatments as yesterday and a blood transfusion to raise up his hemoglobin count faster.
20 Sep Thursday
Received two more blood transfusions today which the doctor determined should be sufficient. His doctor also scheduled another set of CT scans at a different hospital for a second opinion after discussion with the other doctors. Side effects from the treatments are finally lessening. Voice very strong on the phone but we only talked for a short because he needed to rest.
21 Sep Friday
Took John-C and Leanne for a visit and we were surprised by how he looked when we came into the room. Some color has returned to his cheeks and his face looked rounder. He was very happy to see us especially the two kids and just kept on talking. He can stay seated on the side of the bed for a while and can move around more. We finally got him to sit on his wheelchair and took him out for a walk outside to the beach. There are no ramps for the disabled to get down so we just stayed up on the lookout point and enjoyed the view. It was his first major outing on the wheelchair and we returned after an hour. Leonor got him his dinner while I entertained him with Pinoy humor from my e-mail files. A very good time for everyone.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Week 3 (8 Sep - 14 Sep)
08 Saturday
Administered his first dose of morphine just after midnight due to difficulty in breathing after being advised by the hospice staff. Also raised up the bed's head which helped him breathe easier. Had a good night's sleep but woke up dizzy and nauseated due to the morphine's side effects. Gave him some water to relieve the dryness in his mouth and then he went back to sleep. Woke up around 9:00 still complaining about dizziness but was able to eat breakfast and take his medication. Felt better after having lunch and watched the Wowowee game show. Slept afterwards, had supper and then watched Band of Brothers.
09 Sep Sunday
Got up feeling a lot better than yesterday and used the walker to go to the bathroom. Took his morning pills, had breakfast and then watched the US Open. Friends from the Fil-Am group came to visit after church and was able to carry on with the conversation. Had good appetite all day but just stayed in bed watching football and was disappointed when the Oakland Raiders lost. Showed some more improvement by being able to change positions (side to side) by himself; only complaint for the day was the pain in his left elbow.
10 Sep Monday
A very busy and hectic day for everyone due to the day's activities in preparation for the trip to Las Vegas/San Diego: terminating the hospice service, getting the U-Haul truck and minivan, getting the medical records from the hospital, setting up medical service for Las Vegas and acquiring sufficient oxygen bottles for the trip. We opted to drive vice flying due to the various requirements in bringing on board a portable oxygen supply. The minivan has comfortable seats and we can always stop to rest. Cesar was in good spirits the whole day though he really felt bad about not being able to help out. We decided to leave the next day because the van wasn't available until 8 pm. plus we still had to finish loading up the truck. Finally called it a day/night at 2 am. Cesar stayed up late also insisting that we rest up for the trip.
11 Sep Tuesday
Our departure time was delayed again because we had to request for additional oxygen bottles and finally left around noontime. We had a mini-convoy: Leanne in front driving the minivan with her mom and dad on board, John-C driving the Galant with me taking up the rear with the huge U-Haul truck towing a car transport with John-C's car on it. We had to stop 4 times to adjust Cesar's position and keeping the oxygen bottles in place. He started riding in the middle row seat and ended up moving to the front so that the seat can be fully reclined. The trip was very uncomfortable for him because he kept on sliding down but he just gritted his teeth and endured the discomfort. We arrived about 10 pm and Mila/family were already there waiting with dinner ready. Proceeded to unload the truck first because the freezer has been unplugged for over a day and has been sitting inside a hot truck. Off-loading was a lot faster with extra help from Jan and Ouel and we finished about 1230 am. There was still ice in the freezer so everything inside was OK though a bit jumbled up. Cesar was very happy to finally make it home and was able to sleep right away after eating.
12 Sep Wednesday
John-C had to get up early to drive Leanne to the airport for her flight to San Diego. She missed one class yesterday and will also miss part of the morning session. Cesar woke up in a good mood and feeling strong considering the long and tiring trip yesterday. I set up the stereo system and TV first and he was very happy to just sit back and watch his favorite music DVD's. We attended the healing service of Father Fernando at the Christ the King Church later on in the evening. The church was already packed when we got there but was able to get Cesar to the front along with the rest of the wheelchair-bound pilgrims. The service was very solemn specially when he recited the healing prayer over everyone during the mass. The individual blessing was conducted after the mass and we were very lucky to be the very first ones to be blessed. He placed his hand over Cesar's head, groin and chest areas even without being told where his ailments are and stayed like that for a while. I was kneeling behind his wheelchair and was surprised when he gently placed his hand on my head. My mind just went blank because I was praying for Cesar while he was praying over him. The feeling was just overwhelming beyond description that we forgot to thank him before we left. There were some pilgrims from his previous healing service proclaiming they were cured and an old lady pushing her wheelchair passed us by outside while we were waiting for everyone else.
13 Sep Thursday
Another good night's sleep for Cesar; probably feels better about finally moving in; performed his morning routine and then got on his wheelchair for his house tour. His appetite has been normal and always asks for ice cream after his meals. Mila and family came by and brought some more food.
14 Sep Friday
He's getting stronger everyday and just requires minimum assistance to get up from the bed and get on the wheelchair. Brushes his teeth standing up in front of the mirror and can maintain his balance. For lunch, Leonor prepared a feast of baked salmon, chicken, taquitos with salad and served it at the dining table for his first sit-down meal. Actually, he was on his wheelchair but the table was high enough for the armrests to slide underneath so he was able to eat by himself. Took some pictures of him clowning around trying to get a bite from a whole chicken breast.
Administered his first dose of morphine just after midnight due to difficulty in breathing after being advised by the hospice staff. Also raised up the bed's head which helped him breathe easier. Had a good night's sleep but woke up dizzy and nauseated due to the morphine's side effects. Gave him some water to relieve the dryness in his mouth and then he went back to sleep. Woke up around 9:00 still complaining about dizziness but was able to eat breakfast and take his medication. Felt better after having lunch and watched the Wowowee game show. Slept afterwards, had supper and then watched Band of Brothers.
09 Sep Sunday
Got up feeling a lot better than yesterday and used the walker to go to the bathroom. Took his morning pills, had breakfast and then watched the US Open. Friends from the Fil-Am group came to visit after church and was able to carry on with the conversation. Had good appetite all day but just stayed in bed watching football and was disappointed when the Oakland Raiders lost. Showed some more improvement by being able to change positions (side to side) by himself; only complaint for the day was the pain in his left elbow.
10 Sep Monday
A very busy and hectic day for everyone due to the day's activities in preparation for the trip to Las Vegas/San Diego: terminating the hospice service, getting the U-Haul truck and minivan, getting the medical records from the hospital, setting up medical service for Las Vegas and acquiring sufficient oxygen bottles for the trip. We opted to drive vice flying due to the various requirements in bringing on board a portable oxygen supply. The minivan has comfortable seats and we can always stop to rest. Cesar was in good spirits the whole day though he really felt bad about not being able to help out. We decided to leave the next day because the van wasn't available until 8 pm. plus we still had to finish loading up the truck. Finally called it a day/night at 2 am. Cesar stayed up late also insisting that we rest up for the trip.
11 Sep Tuesday
Our departure time was delayed again because we had to request for additional oxygen bottles and finally left around noontime. We had a mini-convoy: Leanne in front driving the minivan with her mom and dad on board, John-C driving the Galant with me taking up the rear with the huge U-Haul truck towing a car transport with John-C's car on it. We had to stop 4 times to adjust Cesar's position and keeping the oxygen bottles in place. He started riding in the middle row seat and ended up moving to the front so that the seat can be fully reclined. The trip was very uncomfortable for him because he kept on sliding down but he just gritted his teeth and endured the discomfort. We arrived about 10 pm and Mila/family were already there waiting with dinner ready. Proceeded to unload the truck first because the freezer has been unplugged for over a day and has been sitting inside a hot truck. Off-loading was a lot faster with extra help from Jan and Ouel and we finished about 1230 am. There was still ice in the freezer so everything inside was OK though a bit jumbled up. Cesar was very happy to finally make it home and was able to sleep right away after eating.
12 Sep Wednesday
John-C had to get up early to drive Leanne to the airport for her flight to San Diego. She missed one class yesterday and will also miss part of the morning session. Cesar woke up in a good mood and feeling strong considering the long and tiring trip yesterday. I set up the stereo system and TV first and he was very happy to just sit back and watch his favorite music DVD's. We attended the healing service of Father Fernando at the Christ the King Church later on in the evening. The church was already packed when we got there but was able to get Cesar to the front along with the rest of the wheelchair-bound pilgrims. The service was very solemn specially when he recited the healing prayer over everyone during the mass. The individual blessing was conducted after the mass and we were very lucky to be the very first ones to be blessed. He placed his hand over Cesar's head, groin and chest areas even without being told where his ailments are and stayed like that for a while. I was kneeling behind his wheelchair and was surprised when he gently placed his hand on my head. My mind just went blank because I was praying for Cesar while he was praying over him. The feeling was just overwhelming beyond description that we forgot to thank him before we left. There were some pilgrims from his previous healing service proclaiming they were cured and an old lady pushing her wheelchair passed us by outside while we were waiting for everyone else.
13 Sep Thursday
Another good night's sleep for Cesar; probably feels better about finally moving in; performed his morning routine and then got on his wheelchair for his house tour. His appetite has been normal and always asks for ice cream after his meals. Mila and family came by and brought some more food.
14 Sep Friday
He's getting stronger everyday and just requires minimum assistance to get up from the bed and get on the wheelchair. Brushes his teeth standing up in front of the mirror and can maintain his balance. For lunch, Leonor prepared a feast of baked salmon, chicken, taquitos with salad and served it at the dining table for his first sit-down meal. Actually, he was on his wheelchair but the table was high enough for the armrests to slide underneath so he was able to eat by himself. Took some pictures of him clowning around trying to get a bite from a whole chicken breast.
Week 2 (1 Sep - 7 Sep)
01 Sep Saturday
Went to the bathroom using his walker, brushed his teeth and then trimmed his mustache and beard with a little help from John-C who also shaved his head. Very good spirits and talkative, very good appetite. Vic and Maree arrived with Virgie and Baby who flew in from San Diego. They brought some Filipino delicacies which Cesar was able to sample and enjoy. Recited the rosary with them, sang religious songs and then switched to the oldies with Cesar joining in once in a while.
02 Sep Sunday
The Bay Area group (Telang, Otoy, Tita and Gail) came for a visit and were later joined by Vic, Maree, Virgie and Baby after attending Sunday mass. Again, lots of food which Cesar was able to partake, Kuya Otoy telling stories about the good old days in Botolan and then reciting the rosary and praying over Cesar. He was in a joyous mood all day but had to just lay back in bed as he was tired with all the excitement.
03 Sep Monday
An off day for Cesar due to the week-end activities; just stayed in bed and rested and watched the US Open. Received calls from Kuya Al and Mila.
04 Sep Tuesday
Woke up with lots of energy and did all the morning routine with minimum`assistance. Had a brief scare around noon when Leonor called me just when I was driving back from Minden after picking up a letter from the hospice. She said that Cesar was gasping for breath and that the hospice had advised her to administer morphine right away. I told her to wait for me and when I got to the house, Cesar was already breathing fine. He said he did what the hospice's chaplain said to do when he needs help: to pray to his guardian angel. He said he just finished saying 'Guardian Angel' when all of a sudden he just sneezed and then he started breathing normally. They were both crying as he was telling the story. He`just rested for the rest of the day since his energy was drained by the experience.
05 Sep Wednesday
Did not have a good night's sleep so just stayed in bed all day and rested. The hospice nurse came by for his bath and he felt better afterwards. Maureen, his acupuncturist also came by around 12:30 for a house call, massaged his head and neck and prescribed herbal supplements. Stayed awake in the afternoon and talked about childhood days.
06 Sep Thursday
Another off day feeling weak and tired, getting up only to go to the bathroom using the walker. Listened in to the phone interview/screening between John-C, myself and Dr. Hernandez from the Oasis of Hope. Had a temperature of 100 about 8 pm; wiped him down with a wet washcloth and ice and was able to bring it down to normal.
07 Sep Friday
A very good day; woke up up with lots of energy and got up early for his bathroom routine; very talkative; had breakfast while watching PI news at TFC. Susan, his bath-giver came by and also Marla, the care giver manager and we discussed assistance for our trip to Las Vegas for the healing service next week. Leanne arrived from San Diego bringing hopia, pandesal and bibingka for Cesar.
Went to the bathroom using his walker, brushed his teeth and then trimmed his mustache and beard with a little help from John-C who also shaved his head. Very good spirits and talkative, very good appetite. Vic and Maree arrived with Virgie and Baby who flew in from San Diego. They brought some Filipino delicacies which Cesar was able to sample and enjoy. Recited the rosary with them, sang religious songs and then switched to the oldies with Cesar joining in once in a while.
02 Sep Sunday
The Bay Area group (Telang, Otoy, Tita and Gail) came for a visit and were later joined by Vic, Maree, Virgie and Baby after attending Sunday mass. Again, lots of food which Cesar was able to partake, Kuya Otoy telling stories about the good old days in Botolan and then reciting the rosary and praying over Cesar. He was in a joyous mood all day but had to just lay back in bed as he was tired with all the excitement.
03 Sep Monday
An off day for Cesar due to the week-end activities; just stayed in bed and rested and watched the US Open. Received calls from Kuya Al and Mila.
04 Sep Tuesday
Woke up with lots of energy and did all the morning routine with minimum`assistance. Had a brief scare around noon when Leonor called me just when I was driving back from Minden after picking up a letter from the hospice. She said that Cesar was gasping for breath and that the hospice had advised her to administer morphine right away. I told her to wait for me and when I got to the house, Cesar was already breathing fine. He said he did what the hospice's chaplain said to do when he needs help: to pray to his guardian angel. He said he just finished saying 'Guardian Angel' when all of a sudden he just sneezed and then he started breathing normally. They were both crying as he was telling the story. He`just rested for the rest of the day since his energy was drained by the experience.
05 Sep Wednesday
Did not have a good night's sleep so just stayed in bed all day and rested. The hospice nurse came by for his bath and he felt better afterwards. Maureen, his acupuncturist also came by around 12:30 for a house call, massaged his head and neck and prescribed herbal supplements. Stayed awake in the afternoon and talked about childhood days.
06 Sep Thursday
Another off day feeling weak and tired, getting up only to go to the bathroom using the walker. Listened in to the phone interview/screening between John-C, myself and Dr. Hernandez from the Oasis of Hope. Had a temperature of 100 about 8 pm; wiped him down with a wet washcloth and ice and was able to bring it down to normal.
07 Sep Friday
A very good day; woke up up with lots of energy and got up early for his bathroom routine; very talkative; had breakfast while watching PI news at TFC. Susan, his bath-giver came by and also Marla, the care giver manager and we discussed assistance for our trip to Las Vegas for the healing service next week. Leanne arrived from San Diego bringing hopia, pandesal and bibingka for Cesar.
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