Rough Patch

My mom caught Vertigo earlier in 2008. With Dad's immune system so poor, he has now caught it.

"Vertigo: Causes nausea and vomiting and, in severe cases, it may give
rise to difficulties with standing..."

Dad is extremely weak and not able to eat, contributing to even further weakness. Doctor gave them both some pills but without food I think that just causes more nausea. He even fell but there's nothing broken thank Goodness. His fever spiked to 104 two days ago and my mom was just about to take him in when it broke after an ice bath.

Tough time in their household.

Kris Kringle kidnapped my parents and all I got was this to greet me Christmas morning

Did they go all out, or what???

Aunt Sue went tree crazy (a post on that later this week), but the two Phyl Delgado's went loco and everyone who visited got to enjoy the immersion of Christmas! I LOVE IT!
Talents, Talents, Talents....

Enjoy the tour!

Walkway: Dad took tomato planters and tied them at the top to create whimsical trees, then lined them with lots of twinkle fairy lights and flanked the walkway. I wish my photography was better as this doesn't adequately capture his masterpiece:





The mantel and desk near the tree...




Mercury dressing....



I found this gorgeous Noel banner on a trip to France several years ago. Handcrafted by a husband/wife team of artists in Marseille, FRANCE. Mom really decorated it to make it truly shine!

MY MOM, MY HERO

Dad is likely not a candidate for a liver transplant. He's anemic and a host of other issues abound. I find out more when I hopefully am able to have a consultation with his specialist next week. Each day some new pain arrives.

My mom regulates his daily liquid intake....makes his special, bland and limiting meals....weighs him daily (as per the doctor to insure water retention is decreasing and thus far it has)....takes his blood pressure several times a day.....checks his temperature and supplies him with a cold cloth if needed.....and sits and laughs with him. She tends to his needs throughout the night--24/7. Even without any of these things, she likely wouldn't be getting much sleep anyway. This is her husband. Her best friend. Her life.

I've been worried how she is holding up. She is strong beyond belief, but she's only human (Wonder Woman be damned!). Now she has a cold along with him. Dad is susceptible to pheunomia so at the hospital he was given a shot, but since hospitals have so many germs floating around, it appears he caught something and now it's airborne in their home.

They are a wonderful couple. I hope I'm able to meet a man like my father someday (so far no luck-haha!) and have the kind of beautiful, giving relationship they have.

Dad's spirits were great today and I will be posting some recent, fun photos of him later this week. Despite not feeling great, he was sure to call me three times to check in on the "girls". "Make sure they aren't outside and you have all the windows closed. Did you feed them? How are they feeling?" {Due to CA fires all around us, it is snowing white and black embers. Very sad for those affected!}

Healing Magic of Animals

. Dad is scared and we want to keep it positive and as peaceful for him right now so please keep it upbeat when talking to him.

The hospital advocate, Marie, was telling mom today that she is there for them and that mom can call her anytime, etc, etc. What a wonderful person we have found in her! My heart broke as my mom said Marie was going through all the things that my dad can't have....and then she added "But Phyllis, if it's not salt or potassium or alcohol derived and he really wants it, give it to him. Let him enjoy what he can at this stage.... Let him enjoy."

My dad really loves the dogs so much and it's crazy how much they love him. Both Biscuit and Coco go CRAZY in the car as we approach their house...as soon as I take the turn on their off ramp from the freeway!! They bark and lick him and go nuts when he walks into the room ....it's all so sweet. Anyone who knows him knows how much HE LOVES animals....a raw, unconditional and crazy love.
I plan to have the dogs visit dad everyday, if only for a little bit. I really do believe in the magical healing power of touching a beloved animal. I see my dad light up when they are around

A Welcome Home

My dad was released from the hospital Thursday afternoon. He was given a prescription of meds to relieve the water retention he is experiencing. He was SO happy to be home that he was Mr Jibber Jabber and we couldn't get him to stop talking and laughing. IT WAS GREAT! He couldn't stop holding his beloved dogs, Biscuit and Coco...what joy they bring him! My goal is to have them visit for a bit everyday as I really do believe in the healing power of animals.

It was a very rough two nights. My mom has been up with him trying to break his fever (which finally did break) and keeping him comfortable. Uncle Frank visited on Friday afternoon and stayed for dinner. It was great to have him around although my dad gets tired so quickly and is obvious pain/discomfort.

His ankles and knees bloat up uncharacteristically due to the water retention. His latest challenges as per the specialist:

• No sodium/salt whatsoever;
  
• Only one QUART of liquid PER DAY--so challenging! he can't even relax with a cup of herbal tea at night now! My mom has to measure out each portion of any liquid intake to monitor this;
  
• No potassium...or in very, very low amounts. 
  
• No turkey (chicken is ok);
  
• No beef or pork;
  
• Lots and lots of other "not's..."
  

he needs to walk to reduce the swelling in his ankles but he has to limit water so he has to limit exercise. He needs to move around but it hurts him. His new pain medication requires it to be drunk with plenty of water but he can not....Oh golly!

He has also been experiencing very bad pain in his prostate area. He sees another specialist for this on Monday. I hope to have a consultation with his doctor then, too, and can provide more info.

The Power of Prayer

My father has been battling liver disease since February. It's been a rough ride for my entire family, least of all my courageous, amazing, beautiful father.

Yesterday he was ushered into a hospital room after poor results came back from the previous day's blood work. The attending doctor told him his liver is unresponsive. His specialist arrived a bit later and advised us that his liver is failing. When asked his level of pain on a scale of 1-10, he told them "10". A dosage of morphine was provided and an hour later the pain level had not changed for him.

No one wants to see anyone in pain.... but to see a parent?.... well it's unbearable.

Our family believes quite strongly in the power of prayer so I thank all family and friends who have included my dad in your daily and weekly prayers. It is important now than ever....

That he not be in pain
That my mother stay healthy. She is so strong and I pray for her continued strength

My mother really is amazing to see in action. The way she tends to his needs, the way she lovingly and cheerfully prepares his special means and how she refuses to eat anything other than his restricted diet.

Our hope is that he comes home this week which is both good and bad; bad in that it means there is nothing they can do for him. We have asked God if we might be blessed with him through the holidays.

Your prayers and love are appreciated beyond measure.