Cleveland Clinic Update 4-20

12:00 Noon

Karen had a challenging night. They are giving her meds to reduce ammonia in her blood, and they are counteracting some of the other effects of liver failure. She’s asleep most of the time, but is lucid when awake, because of the meds for the ammonia. So, the meds are good and bad. Karen wants to be home, so they are doing what Karen wants. And if you know us at all, you know that’s how it is anyway, and should be.

Please, no unplanned visits.

I don’t expect to have much to report today, but will check back with an update tonight, even if it’s just to say that I don’t have anything new to report. I hope to have more to report about the overall plan tomorrow night. Karen’s doc is coming in to speak with us. He’s on vacation, but I’m not sure he understands what that means. He’s been in here at the hospital to see her, and made the trip in only for that purpose. He has a whole team of docs under him taking turns checking in, and making sure they are on top of her wishes.

4:20PM

Karen’s day went a little better. She ate some frozen treats and fresh fruit, as well as a Carnation breakfast. That’s the most calories she’s had any day this week. We got her up out of bed a couple times to try to build up a little strength, or at least keep her from losing more. She did well and made a couple trips around the room. I’ll get her up a little later and try some dinner.

She’s still losing some blood, and had two units today. But she’s still aware of everything, and says she’s not ready to give up. <3

8:45PM

Karen did very well this evening. They gave her an infusion earlier, and it perked her up a little. We had a visitor that brought a little sunshine, and Karen spent about two hours sitting up, ate a regular dinner of chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and orange sherbet to top it off. It was a spectacular meal, and she’s now getting a bit of well earned rest. Don’t know when the doc comes tomorrow, but will update after. It may not be until later in the day.