My mom had a stroke

Today I arrived at Kaiser Moanalua. My mom had a stroke that did a lot of damage to her brain, according to the CT scan. They think a blood clot traveled from her heart directly up to her brain. So I guess once the brain tissue dies, it doesn't regenerate. But sometimes the working parts of the brain compensate for the loss and a stroke victim can regain some functions.

This is just day one, so we will have to wait and see. Because mom has a lot of other health issues (lung cancer, advanced emphysema, congestive heart failure, pacemaker, cirrhosis of the liver), the doctors are not offering us much hope. 5% was the number the doctor gave us - 5% chance of regaining some functions. This absence of hope is a drag. My family and I would rather hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. So we talk openly about what the future may hold, but we pray and hope for a good bit of healing to take place. We'll just have to wait and see.

My mom opens her eyes briefly, she will look us straight in the eyes, then close her eyes. She moves her left side quite a bit, but hardly ever on command. She won't open her mouth or stick out her tongue on command so they can't feed her. And they need to look at her Advance Healthcare Directive tomorrow to see what she had specified as far as inserting a feeding tube goes. This is a good time to remind everyone, young and old, to sign your AHD asap.

My sister and brothers and I are taking shifts at the hospital to have someone at the hospital all the time. We are all very thankful for each other, and for understanding employers.

I'm reading Psalms to my mom, but I'm taking out the parts where the writer is saying "slay my enemies" and what not. :) Don't want to give her bad dreams.

8 comments from Facebook

Christen Roszkowski (Lexington, KY) wrote at 10:05pm on November 20th, 2008 Lisa! I didn't know about your mom, but admire your upbeat spirit in the midst of trials, and just wanted to let you know that you and your family are in our prayers!!! I love you :o) Report - Delete

Tyler Gillies (Hope Chapel) wrote at 11:19pm on November 20th, 2008 praying for you and your fam big time :) Report - Delete

Liza's Eyeview wrote at 4:18am on November 21st, 2008 you, your mom, and your family are in my prayers. Report - Delete

Kelli Torrez (San Francisco, CA) wrote at 7:47am on November 21st, 2008 Lisa you and your mom are in my heart and prayers. Love you sister Report - Delete

Maisha Lauer wrote at 8:49am on November 21st, 2008 I am praying for you lisa, and your mom. ♥ you Report - Delete

Nancy Loren wrote at 9:40am on November 21st, 2008 Dear Lisa I admire Your strength, which indicates to all that you have spent much time in Scripture and at the Lords feet for only He could give such power! Prayer will continue for you and your family. may God continue to strengthen you in this difficult time, Love nancy Report - Delete

Janna Schlag wrote at 11:05am on November 21st, 2008 You and your mom are very much in my prayers. How wonderful that you and your brothers and sisters can be there, supporting, loving, encouraging her. Love you so much Lisa! Janna Report - Delete

Lita Catiel wrote at 8:38pm on November 21st, 2008 Lisa, I know our Lord is keeping watch over you and especially mom. Keep your eyes focused on Him...hold strong to your Faith... Praying for you, my friend ~ Report - Delete