By Kevin
Sorry I didn't send this earlier, but I think we contacted everyone after we heard the news.
Uncle Jack passed away Monday night the 20th of August. He was in hospice care at the Mountain's Edge Hospital in Las Vegas, where he had been since the 30th of July. He was admitted for his brain tumors, though his partner Shirley took him to the hospital after he fell and broke some ribs. Shirley wrote that when she visited him the next day, on the 31st, that was the last time he recognized her. Nearly every day since she would visit him, but he had stopped speaking, and when he opened his eyes would just look straight ahead.
His son David visited him in the hospital August 2nd and 3rd. Jack at first didn't recognize David, but later did. Jack said he wasn't in pain, due to the pain medication, but he was acting like nothing was wrong. He was sleeping a lot.
The Last Time We Saw Jack
On Friday July 20th at about 5:30pm Jack and Shirley arrived at my Dad's house after Shirley drove them all day from Las Vegas. I was there to go with Dad to see his doctor about Dad's right hand injury, and get Dad's permission to be his caregiver (have access to his medical records, and be able to send and receive messages with his doctors).
Jack was very talkative, and Shirley later commented on how she hadn't seen him that way. I'm not sure if it was due to his medical condition, but he was more talkative than I remembered.
Jack had hoped to enroll in Kaiser healthcare, and find a surgeon in San Francisco who could remove his brain tumors. A surgeon Jack consulted with in Las Vegas said the best surgeons to do Jack's operation were in San Francisco. But Jack didn't have an appointment with a surgeon, and not even the name of a surgeon, though we later found that he did. It seemed he expected Dad to drive him to San Francisco to meet with surgeons. He hadn't called Dad or he would have found out that Dad was no longer allowed to drive, and had severely injured his right hand.
Shirley had planned to leave early Sunday, with or without Jack, but Saturday morning, when only Jack, Shirley, and I were up, Jack discussed the situation (Dad's inability to drive and injury) with Shirley and decided to leave with Shirley on Sunday. Once my Dad was up Saturday morning, I suggested we all have breakfast at IHOP just down the hill. Shirley's car was in the car port, so I parked my car on the street, but even then it was difficult for Jack to get to the car with his walker and get in.
We each had a great breakfast, with Jack eating so much that Shirley joked he would soon be falling asleep, and he did seem tired. He predicted that the morning fog would disappear at 11am, as it always did in El Cerrito, but it was a little earlier that we started to see a lot of blue sky.
I decided that since it had been so difficult to get everyone in my car, we would take advantage of being out and do some sightseeing. I think Jack suggested seeing the house on C street where they had lived, so I drove us there. In all this time I hadn't been there! Jack talked about the park across the street, some things about the house, and the kids who had lived nearby.
Since El Cerrito High School was close by, and Jack may not have seen it since the remodel, I thought we would go there next. Jack was disappointed that the "E C" spelled out in hedges had been taken out. He didn't recognize much other than where the gym is. I also drove around the back so we could see the football and track field. As we started to head back to Dad's, I asked Jack if he had any stories about the neighborhood we were driving through, and he said it wasn't one of his old stomping grounds.
When we got back home, we sat around and chatted a little.
After driving through a lot of traffic, Margaret arrived and was able to spend some time with Jack and Shirley. We had met Shirley on our last family trip to Las Vegas several years ago.
Margaret invited Dad to stay a while at our house in Milpitas. I wanted to make sure that Margaret invited him so he would know that she wanted him to stay, and she could say how excited she was about the changes she had made. She had converted her first floor craft room into a bedroom for Dad, and had it all set up for him. She had setup part of our bedroom for her crafts. Dad said a visit sounded good and he would come down with me when I left on Sunday. Margaret stayed a while and talked with Jack and Shirley. Dad had gone to the bathroom just before Margaret thought she should leave, so she asked us to say goodbye for her.
A little while later is when Dad had his second big fall that I described in another blog post. Jack wasn't sure why Dad and I were quickly leaving (for the ER), but Shirley explained it to him. I gave Shirley a quick hug since I didn't know if we would be able to say goodbye before she left the next morning.
When Dad and I returned from the ER around 8:30pm, Shirley had gone to bed in the front bedroom, and Jack was sleeping on the living room sofa. Dad walked over to Jack, but I was worried he would wake Jack. But he wanted to say goodbye. Jack was still awake, and saw Dad's bandage on his left arm. Jack looked at me and asked if Dad was okay, and I gave a thumbs up, not knowing how well Jack could hear me. Jack told Dad a good way for him to keep his balance is to have his arms out like a tightrope walker, and that Jack does that. Jack put his arms out to demonstrate and said "keep your balance, keep your balance!" That's the last image I have of Jack.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Howard Update 8/18
By Kevin
I spent most of Saturday (8/18) with Dad. There was a San Francisco Pelican Fleet 1 race that day, and I had decided to start the races since I didn't think Dad could (he still can't use his right hand), and he has been the Race Committee for several years. No one from Fleet 1 replied to my email asking for someone to run the race.
I called Dad on Friday and reminded him that I would be stopping by his house Saturday morning around 9. He asked why, and I reminded him about the Pelican race, and that I would pick up the flags, horn, and other things necessary for running the race. I asked him if he would like to go to the race. He said not being able to drive would make it difficult for him to go, and I said I could drive him there when I pick up the race stuff. He said he thought he would go, and would get the race stuff ready.
I arrived at 9:30 (called him at 9:15 to say I would be late) and everything was ready to go, but I notice his right hand is swollen again. (I also notice that the planters have been moved that I had placed to block the path he has fallen on twice. Not sure if the gardener did it, and if Dad asked him to. I leave them where they are.) The last time I saw his right hand the swelling had gone down. He said he hasn't been keeping it up above his heart. He wanted to pay me for his bills that Margaret paid (I brought them so he would file them). He can't write his signature to write checks, so we have been paying his bills. I didn't know the total, it would take some time to add it up, and I was anxious to get to the race, so I told him we could do it when we returned.
After I loaded the race stuff in the car and we drove away, he says he hasn't had breakfast and would like to stop somewhere. I suggested the nearby McDonald's drive-through, and he thought that would be fine. He ate the Egg McMuffin and Sausage in the car, and saved the large coffee for when it had cooled.
We arrive at the Marina Bay Yacht Harbor around 10, and walk over to the launch ramp, but don't see any Pelicans in the large parking lot. Then one arrived, and we saw another and said hello. We also see a member who told me Friday night he could help with the races. We setup chairs and the race stuff away from the ramp near the place we will use for the start line. We race inside the marina's breakwater, which has a lot of room. There are 4 boats that will race. Dad didn't bring a hat so I give him one of mine. As I put on sunscreen I ask him if he wants any and he says he doesn't, though he's sure to get a burn since we're sitting in the sun.
The first race goes well, but it gets so windy, and the waves are splashing in their faces, that one skipper decides to call it quits.
We all get together for bag lunches. Everyone says hello to Dad, and he tells them about injuring his right hand, and shows his swollen hand. He shakes people's hands with his left hand. People talk about racing, the upcoming race at Tomales Bay, electric cars, etc. I have Dad sit near people so he can hear better, but he doesn't join in the conversations. I'm not sure if he can hear them. One person comes over to sit by Dad and talk with him, which was very nice.
I brought an extra sandwich for Dad, but he says he's not hungry. I have a water bottle to give him since he's finished his coffee, and will probably be thirsty.
For the second race it's still too windy (10mph with gusts over that) for one skipper and crew, so they sit it out, and decide it's not going to get calmer, so take their boat out.
For the third race, one skipper needs to head home, so they take their boat out. They had offered the skipper duties to the guy helping me run the race, but he's too nervous about the high winds and sailing an unfamiliar boat. The third race ends up being a tie-breaker for the remaining boats that had been tied for 2nd.
After loading up the car, Dad decides to stay at the car rather than walking the 100 yards or so to say goodbye with me to people getting their boats ready to leave.
When we return to Dad's house, I tell him I'll keep the race flags, etc. with me in case he doesn't want to go to the next race. He agrees that's a good idea, but says he would like to go to the next local race at Half Moon Bay since he enjoys watching the kids playing on the beach.
He wants to pay me for the bills Margaret paid by having me write his name on one of his checks. I tell him I'd rather not do that since it's not legal, and we can either wait for him to be able to write his name (or a reasonable facsimile) or he can go to his bank and get cash and give it to us sometime.
While he's in the bathroom I put a spare house key in a lock box like realtors use that the medical alert people supplied. I put it around the kitchen door knob. If Dad activates the system (he has an emergency button in bedroom, in the bathroom, and in the kitchen on the base unit) they will give the combination to first responders so they don't need to break down the door. I show it to him, and describe how it's used, and he thinks it's a good idea.
I also give him a device Margaret found on Amazon that will help him put on his socks. Dad had told us how difficult it is to get his socks on. He takes a look at the pictures on the box, and thinks it will be a big help.
I update his calendar with the blood draw that a nurse will do at his home on Monday, and an appointment he has on Friday in Richmond with a surgeon about his hand. I point out the appointments, and plan to call him Thursday to remind him about the Friday appointment since I think it could be important to healing his hand.
He asks me to open a couple of his pill bottles, and I see he's not taking the pills from the weekly pill holder we gave him. It seems he's just in the habit of taking pills from the bottles. I forget to do the usual check for spoiled food in his refrigerator, and check to see if he's eating the frozen dinners Margaret got for him. But I asked him if he needs any groceries (Margaret can have them delivered) and he says he's fine.
I ask him if he'd like to go to dinner, and he says he's hungry, so we get in my car and I ask him where he'd like to go. He says I can get on the freeway and head North. He says a couple of times during the day that he appreciates me spending nearly a full day with him.
I ask him if he has thought any more about going to Boulder City (a week or so ago he said he wanted to go there before he died). He laughs and says no. I ask him if he'd like to fly, or I could drive. He says he doesn't need to go there, and jokes that he shouldn't mention things like that to me. I ask him if he doesn't want to go to Boulder City if there is a place he'd like to go, and he just laughs.
I follow his directions to a Sizzler, and he says he doesn't know why he can't remember the name, which is why he didn't tell me sooner. One of the cashiers recognizes him and he orders a healthy chicken dinner with a potato and a salad (though he asks for butter and sour cream on the potato, and puts lots of ranch dressing on the salad, but it's what he likes to eat). I order the same without the extras.
I have us sit where we can watch the Oakland Raider game over each other's shoulders (I make sure he's sitting closer to one of the screens). When the food arrives I cut up his chicken and only half of his potato since he thinks that's all he'll eat.
I ask him how old he was when he lived at Bolder City and after thinking for a while he says 7 or 8. I asked him what Grandfather did while there, and he said Grandfather worked on the trucks, which is what I remembered. I asked him about playing in the water around the trees, which I remembered him describing, and he said there were troughs around the planted trees that would be filled with water, and they would play in the mud. I asked him about swimming in the Colorado river, and he just said he did. I asked if the current was very strong, and he said it wasn't where they were. I asked him if he remembered the address of the house he lived in, and he said he never wrote letters there, so he didn't remember. I told him there was a museum there, and they may have records that would tell where he lived.
He didn't want to take home the half of the potato he didn't eat, but gave his leftover chicken to me to add to my leftovers. He mentions how messy an eater Katie was when she was a baby, and says he has gotten that way, though I don't say that it's not easy to be right-handed and eat a salad with your left hand!
When we get back to his place he says I should probably get going home since it will be a long trip (usually about an hour and 15 minutes), so we say goodbye and I leave.
I spent most of Saturday (8/18) with Dad. There was a San Francisco Pelican Fleet 1 race that day, and I had decided to start the races since I didn't think Dad could (he still can't use his right hand), and he has been the Race Committee for several years. No one from Fleet 1 replied to my email asking for someone to run the race.
I called Dad on Friday and reminded him that I would be stopping by his house Saturday morning around 9. He asked why, and I reminded him about the Pelican race, and that I would pick up the flags, horn, and other things necessary for running the race. I asked him if he would like to go to the race. He said not being able to drive would make it difficult for him to go, and I said I could drive him there when I pick up the race stuff. He said he thought he would go, and would get the race stuff ready.
I arrived at 9:30 (called him at 9:15 to say I would be late) and everything was ready to go, but I notice his right hand is swollen again. (I also notice that the planters have been moved that I had placed to block the path he has fallen on twice. Not sure if the gardener did it, and if Dad asked him to. I leave them where they are.) The last time I saw his right hand the swelling had gone down. He said he hasn't been keeping it up above his heart. He wanted to pay me for his bills that Margaret paid (I brought them so he would file them). He can't write his signature to write checks, so we have been paying his bills. I didn't know the total, it would take some time to add it up, and I was anxious to get to the race, so I told him we could do it when we returned.
After I loaded the race stuff in the car and we drove away, he says he hasn't had breakfast and would like to stop somewhere. I suggested the nearby McDonald's drive-through, and he thought that would be fine. He ate the Egg McMuffin and Sausage in the car, and saved the large coffee for when it had cooled.
We arrive at the Marina Bay Yacht Harbor around 10, and walk over to the launch ramp, but don't see any Pelicans in the large parking lot. Then one arrived, and we saw another and said hello. We also see a member who told me Friday night he could help with the races. We setup chairs and the race stuff away from the ramp near the place we will use for the start line. We race inside the marina's breakwater, which has a lot of room. There are 4 boats that will race. Dad didn't bring a hat so I give him one of mine. As I put on sunscreen I ask him if he wants any and he says he doesn't, though he's sure to get a burn since we're sitting in the sun.
The first race goes well, but it gets so windy, and the waves are splashing in their faces, that one skipper decides to call it quits.
We all get together for bag lunches. Everyone says hello to Dad, and he tells them about injuring his right hand, and shows his swollen hand. He shakes people's hands with his left hand. People talk about racing, the upcoming race at Tomales Bay, electric cars, etc. I have Dad sit near people so he can hear better, but he doesn't join in the conversations. I'm not sure if he can hear them. One person comes over to sit by Dad and talk with him, which was very nice.
I brought an extra sandwich for Dad, but he says he's not hungry. I have a water bottle to give him since he's finished his coffee, and will probably be thirsty.
For the second race it's still too windy (10mph with gusts over that) for one skipper and crew, so they sit it out, and decide it's not going to get calmer, so take their boat out.
For the third race, one skipper needs to head home, so they take their boat out. They had offered the skipper duties to the guy helping me run the race, but he's too nervous about the high winds and sailing an unfamiliar boat. The third race ends up being a tie-breaker for the remaining boats that had been tied for 2nd.
After loading up the car, Dad decides to stay at the car rather than walking the 100 yards or so to say goodbye with me to people getting their boats ready to leave.
When we return to Dad's house, I tell him I'll keep the race flags, etc. with me in case he doesn't want to go to the next race. He agrees that's a good idea, but says he would like to go to the next local race at Half Moon Bay since he enjoys watching the kids playing on the beach.
He wants to pay me for the bills Margaret paid by having me write his name on one of his checks. I tell him I'd rather not do that since it's not legal, and we can either wait for him to be able to write his name (or a reasonable facsimile) or he can go to his bank and get cash and give it to us sometime.
While he's in the bathroom I put a spare house key in a lock box like realtors use that the medical alert people supplied. I put it around the kitchen door knob. If Dad activates the system (he has an emergency button in bedroom, in the bathroom, and in the kitchen on the base unit) they will give the combination to first responders so they don't need to break down the door. I show it to him, and describe how it's used, and he thinks it's a good idea.
I also give him a device Margaret found on Amazon that will help him put on his socks. Dad had told us how difficult it is to get his socks on. He takes a look at the pictures on the box, and thinks it will be a big help.
I update his calendar with the blood draw that a nurse will do at his home on Monday, and an appointment he has on Friday in Richmond with a surgeon about his hand. I point out the appointments, and plan to call him Thursday to remind him about the Friday appointment since I think it could be important to healing his hand.
He asks me to open a couple of his pill bottles, and I see he's not taking the pills from the weekly pill holder we gave him. It seems he's just in the habit of taking pills from the bottles. I forget to do the usual check for spoiled food in his refrigerator, and check to see if he's eating the frozen dinners Margaret got for him. But I asked him if he needs any groceries (Margaret can have them delivered) and he says he's fine.
I ask him if he'd like to go to dinner, and he says he's hungry, so we get in my car and I ask him where he'd like to go. He says I can get on the freeway and head North. He says a couple of times during the day that he appreciates me spending nearly a full day with him.
I ask him if he has thought any more about going to Boulder City (a week or so ago he said he wanted to go there before he died). He laughs and says no. I ask him if he'd like to fly, or I could drive. He says he doesn't need to go there, and jokes that he shouldn't mention things like that to me. I ask him if he doesn't want to go to Boulder City if there is a place he'd like to go, and he just laughs.
I follow his directions to a Sizzler, and he says he doesn't know why he can't remember the name, which is why he didn't tell me sooner. One of the cashiers recognizes him and he orders a healthy chicken dinner with a potato and a salad (though he asks for butter and sour cream on the potato, and puts lots of ranch dressing on the salad, but it's what he likes to eat). I order the same without the extras.
I have us sit where we can watch the Oakland Raider game over each other's shoulders (I make sure he's sitting closer to one of the screens). When the food arrives I cut up his chicken and only half of his potato since he thinks that's all he'll eat.
I ask him how old he was when he lived at Bolder City and after thinking for a while he says 7 or 8. I asked him what Grandfather did while there, and he said Grandfather worked on the trucks, which is what I remembered. I asked him about playing in the water around the trees, which I remembered him describing, and he said there were troughs around the planted trees that would be filled with water, and they would play in the mud. I asked him about swimming in the Colorado river, and he just said he did. I asked if the current was very strong, and he said it wasn't where they were. I asked him if he remembered the address of the house he lived in, and he said he never wrote letters there, so he didn't remember. I told him there was a museum there, and they may have records that would tell where he lived.
He didn't want to take home the half of the potato he didn't eat, but gave his leftover chicken to me to add to my leftovers. He mentions how messy an eater Katie was when she was a baby, and says he has gotten that way, though I don't say that it's not easy to be right-handed and eat a salad with your left hand!
When we get back to his place he says I should probably get going home since it will be a long trip (usually about an hour and 15 minutes), so we say goodbye and I leave.
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Howard Update 8/14
From an email from Karen:
Monday night brought dinner over to Howard, a totally different person from Saturday!
His hand is not swollen, I asked how'd that happen? Howard said, "I kept it up all the time on the cushion." (haha kind of funny).
He was talkative and moving around pretty good..
Took his pills,
Fiona and I brought him dinner, so he was feeling good about trading in his turkey sandwich for meatloaf and salad. I even snuck in zucchini in the meatloaf. He'll never know.
Even tried the Lemon Cucumber! Lincoln [their dog] came as well and was more than happy to clean up carpet.
He had a pie, that I sliced up for future for him, he had some of that and whip cream.
Cleaned up a bit (threw out the nasty sponges - my main goal really was to throw those out) and left new ones.
While there the PT [physical therapist] called to set up appt for tomorrow at 10 am. Name is Danny.
He knows that Hildegard is coming tomorrow too, as well he is supposed to go over to Oakland for 1:30 aptt. He raved about the GogoGrandparent.
Something confused me he said last night and tonight was about this couple who had a 95th Birthday on Kensington. Did he go to a party yesterday?
That was not clear, but he was in good spirits,
He had coffee, like at least two cups today...Coffee is key.
Monday, August 13, 2018
Howard Update 8/13
By Kevin
I called Dad after his Friday doctor's appointment and he was discouraged. The doctor said he needed to flex the joints in his right hand all the time or his hand will freeze in place. He half-jokingly said that he might be able to get along with one hand.
Last week when he was at our place on Tuesday, I played a VHS tape he had given me to record to DVD so he could watch it at home (he doesn't have a VHS player any longer). The tape had a documentary about the building of Boulder/Hoover dam, and had some scenes of Boulder City, where Dad had lived with his parents and Zell and Jack while his father maintained trucks used to build the dam. Dad surprised me by saying he'd like to go back to Boulder City. I later mentioned that I would work on it, and he said he would like to go back before he died. I've been looking into places to stay, and the museum (where they would like to do an oral history with him). We'll probably fly to Vegas then I'll drive us to Boulder City.
Pat and Karen took Dad out for dinner on Friday, and were concerned that his right hand was swollen again, and he hadn't been taking his medicines. Pat and Karen found the medicines and the doctor's requests to stop taking certain medications. They sorted out his medicines with Dad, and put the weekly pill container on his dining room table where he usually sits to read the paper and have breakfast. They regretted not taking Dad to the emergency room to have his hand examined, but he will be seeing a doctor on Tuesday.
Karen and Fiona will bring Dad some dinner on Monday, and see how he's doing.
I called Dad after his Friday doctor's appointment and he was discouraged. The doctor said he needed to flex the joints in his right hand all the time or his hand will freeze in place. He half-jokingly said that he might be able to get along with one hand.
Last week when he was at our place on Tuesday, I played a VHS tape he had given me to record to DVD so he could watch it at home (he doesn't have a VHS player any longer). The tape had a documentary about the building of Boulder/Hoover dam, and had some scenes of Boulder City, where Dad had lived with his parents and Zell and Jack while his father maintained trucks used to build the dam. Dad surprised me by saying he'd like to go back to Boulder City. I later mentioned that I would work on it, and he said he would like to go back before he died. I've been looking into places to stay, and the museum (where they would like to do an oral history with him). We'll probably fly to Vegas then I'll drive us to Boulder City.
Pat and Karen took Dad out for dinner on Friday, and were concerned that his right hand was swollen again, and he hadn't been taking his medicines. Pat and Karen found the medicines and the doctor's requests to stop taking certain medications. They sorted out his medicines with Dad, and put the weekly pill container on his dining room table where he usually sits to read the paper and have breakfast. They regretted not taking Dad to the emergency room to have his hand examined, but he will be seeing a doctor on Tuesday.
Karen and Fiona will bring Dad some dinner on Monday, and see how he's doing.
Friday, August 10, 2018
~~ message from Margaret ~~
Since using this blog to do updates on Howard, it has re-energized my ambition to keep our own family blog going. I have created a new blog and have started with an update on our trip to Vegas. If you want to keep up with Kevin, Margaret and Katie, go to mackeycentral.blogspot.com. We will leave this blog for updates on Howard, Jack, etc.
Howard update 8/10
~~ Update by Margaret ~~
Katie and I took Howard back to El Cerrito yesterday, and settled him in. He has a doctor's appointment this morning at Kaiser, and Kevin just received a text from Gogograndparent that a ride had been requested. So he is up and doing well today.
Yesterday we stopped at the grocery store and got him set up for a couple of days at the house. He has another doctor appointment on Tuesday. I went through all of his mail yesterday, and brought home about 5 pounds of junk mail. I will have Katie go through it all to save the nickles, stamps, notepads, pens, etc., that are enclosed. I also brought home his bills so we can pay them - he still cannot use his right hand for signature, so we told him to practice writing and when he can sign his name again we will have him write us a check.
He was able to take a real shower at our house, as he was unable to do so for the prior weeks because of stitches, balance, etc. No problems.
At his last visit I had bought him new pajamas and tshirts, which he seems to be enjoying. I also have done laundry for him.
He still has occasional incontinence problems, and also cannot put on his socks. We are ordering for him the easy on / easy off tool for him so he can solve the socks issue.
His friends are trying to keep up with him - one of them called yesterday while we were there.
Pat and Karen are working on daily home health care for him. Kaiser provides 35 hours per week, which would be perfect for him. Kaiser will also have home visits for his coumadin blood draw which he does every couple of weeks.
Katie and I took Howard back to El Cerrito yesterday, and settled him in. He has a doctor's appointment this morning at Kaiser, and Kevin just received a text from Gogograndparent that a ride had been requested. So he is up and doing well today.
Yesterday we stopped at the grocery store and got him set up for a couple of days at the house. He has another doctor appointment on Tuesday. I went through all of his mail yesterday, and brought home about 5 pounds of junk mail. I will have Katie go through it all to save the nickles, stamps, notepads, pens, etc., that are enclosed. I also brought home his bills so we can pay them - he still cannot use his right hand for signature, so we told him to practice writing and when he can sign his name again we will have him write us a check.
He was able to take a real shower at our house, as he was unable to do so for the prior weeks because of stitches, balance, etc. No problems.
At his last visit I had bought him new pajamas and tshirts, which he seems to be enjoying. I also have done laundry for him.
He still has occasional incontinence problems, and also cannot put on his socks. We are ordering for him the easy on / easy off tool for him so he can solve the socks issue.
His friends are trying to keep up with him - one of them called yesterday while we were there.
Pat and Karen are working on daily home health care for him. Kaiser provides 35 hours per week, which would be perfect for him. Kaiser will also have home visits for his coumadin blood draw which he does every couple of weeks.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Howard update 8/8
Upon getting up this morning, Howard mentioned he is starting to get feeling back into his right hand.
🎉👌👍👍👍✌😄
🎉👌👍👍👍✌😄
Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Howard updated 8/7
~~ Update by Margaret ~~
Howard is doing well today. He was up early - 8am-ish - so he was able to see Kevin off to work. I had already made him a cup of coffee, but he got his breakfast himself.
His hand is doing much better. He has been good about keeping it up as the doctor instructed, and there has been no swelling for a couple of days. We've been good about making sure it is soaked twice per day.
I had to take him to Kaiser in Fremont to have some blood work done. He was very steady and walking well. He did not want to take the walker, and today he did not need it. He had no problem getting in our out of the car, or fastening his seat belt. We even teased Katie that her 92-year-old grandpa kept getting out the car faster than she did. The blood draw was easy, and then we went to Chili's in Fremont. His hearing and cognizance was good. We chatted a bit, but it was noisy in there so we really could not converse.
I was concerned yesterday because he slept most of the day, but today he is chipper and engaged. He is napping a bit now as we just got back from Chili's, and he ate his full bacon cheeseburger, so I would expect him to nap. 😊
Pat and Karen are working on home healthcare for him, and we will post updates on that when the info is available.
Howard is doing well today. He was up early - 8am-ish - so he was able to see Kevin off to work. I had already made him a cup of coffee, but he got his breakfast himself.
His hand is doing much better. He has been good about keeping it up as the doctor instructed, and there has been no swelling for a couple of days. We've been good about making sure it is soaked twice per day.
I had to take him to Kaiser in Fremont to have some blood work done. He was very steady and walking well. He did not want to take the walker, and today he did not need it. He had no problem getting in our out of the car, or fastening his seat belt. We even teased Katie that her 92-year-old grandpa kept getting out the car faster than she did. The blood draw was easy, and then we went to Chili's in Fremont. His hearing and cognizance was good. We chatted a bit, but it was noisy in there so we really could not converse.
I was concerned yesterday because he slept most of the day, but today he is chipper and engaged. He is napping a bit now as we just got back from Chili's, and he ate his full bacon cheeseburger, so I would expect him to nap. 😊
Pat and Karen are working on home healthcare for him, and we will post updates on that when the info is available.
Monday, August 6, 2018
Jack Update 8/6
By Kevin
No news since last Saturday (August 4th) when I last exchanged text messages with David (I think I spoke with him on Thursday, though my phone log doesn't have that, though I do have his text messages).
David arrived on Thursday and visited Uncle Jack in the hospital. He said Jack was very alert, but acting strange. David thinks it might be the pain medications. Jack was acting like there was nothing wrong with him. Jack says he's not in pain, but he sleeps a lot. David saw no sign or Shirley.
On Friday, David was having high blood pressure problems, and planned to leave for Oakland on Saturday.
On Saturday around noon David said he was doing much better and would call me later with an update on Jack. But he didn't call.
I sent a text message to David around 6pm Sunday, but didn't hear back.
No news since last Saturday (August 4th) when I last exchanged text messages with David (I think I spoke with him on Thursday, though my phone log doesn't have that, though I do have his text messages).
David arrived on Thursday and visited Uncle Jack in the hospital. He said Jack was very alert, but acting strange. David thinks it might be the pain medications. Jack was acting like there was nothing wrong with him. Jack says he's not in pain, but he sleeps a lot. David saw no sign or Shirley.
On Friday, David was having high blood pressure problems, and planned to leave for Oakland on Saturday.
On Saturday around noon David said he was doing much better and would call me later with an update on Jack. But he didn't call.
I sent a text message to David around 6pm Sunday, but didn't hear back.
Sunday, August 5, 2018
Howard update 8/5
~~ Update by Margaret ~~
It is Sunday, and Howard came down yesterday and will be with us until Thursday.
On Thursday (8/2) Howard's hand and wrist were still swollen, so his coffee buddy took him by Kaiser emergency to have it examined. The doctors were concerned about the swelling and so he was admitted and given lots of antibiotics and TLC. Apparently a couple of foreign objects (we are guessing shards from his coffee cup from when he fell and cut his hand) were still in his hand and they were considering surgery. He spent two nights under observation, and was released on Saturday. Pat was there to get him when he was released, and Kevin came as well.
They took Howard out to lunch and then Kevin brought him down to Milpitas.
His hand is looking much better, and he has all stitches out of both his hand and his forearm. He needs to soak his hand twice per day for one week, and has antibiotics.
I (Margaret) am home all week and will be making sure he gets lots of TLC and as much coffee as he wants.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
8/1 update
Planned to visit dad on Wednesday August 1 for dinner. Left work at 3:00, left home at 3:45 arrived at the house around 5:30. Connie (the tenant) was at the door with her rent check. She introduced herself and said she was concerned about dad’s hand being swollen.
She gave him her check and left. Dad said he was hungry I suggested we eat at Christopher’s (a Mexican restraint that mom liked).
He said the coffee machine still wasn’t working and he had it unplugged. It looked like to wanted to continue the rinse cycle so I put more water in it and a bowl under it and we left.
We took the explorer and he didn’t have trouble getting to the car or getting in, but some trouble with the seat belt.
He directed me to the restaurant, navigate the parking lot and the step into the restaurant, placed his order - all good. We ate and got back to the house.
The coffee machine wanted another rinse cycle(!) so we started that.
He saw he had a message from his coffee buddy about their meetup tomorrow. He said he wanted to go to the dr about his hand after his coffee thing.
I asked him about the box that came which was the Bay Alarm “life alert” kit. I set that up and tested it out. I told the agent who answered the test call hat it was a test, but he wanted to talk to dad to make sure all was okay. Dad answered him and the. The agent said something like “thanks for choosing Bay alarm, if you have any trouble....etc. and expected an answer from dad. He couldn’t make out what was said because the guy spoke so fast. When dad said “ I didn’t understand” he qagent repeated his spiel REALLY LOUD. Of course it was less intelligible so I asked him to speak slower - which he did but EVEN LOUDER which a) didn’t seem possible and b) didn’t help. Dad shook his head but did say some thanks - which the guy took as an answer and hung up. I was glad that was over.
In the box, besides the (very loud) main unit, was -
- a bracelet - dad didn’t want to wear it, so I put t in the bedroom on the headboard
- a pendant - I put this on one of the handrails inthe bathroom
- a lock box - dad didn’t have a spare key, so we left that for later
- mini medical summary ona fridge magnet - this is for the emergency people can have the info they need. We left that for later
- a form to tell the bay alarm folks where the key is, pills dads taking, etc. Also saved for later.
Dad tested the pendant from the bathrooms and it worked. I made real sure the call didn’t go through to the agent.
The coffee machine was (finally) done and we ran a couple of test cups which he pronounced good (looked to weak to me but whatever.
I told him I’d calll him tomorrow and said goodbye.
She gave him her check and left. Dad said he was hungry I suggested we eat at Christopher’s (a Mexican restraint that mom liked).
He said the coffee machine still wasn’t working and he had it unplugged. It looked like to wanted to continue the rinse cycle so I put more water in it and a bowl under it and we left.
We took the explorer and he didn’t have trouble getting to the car or getting in, but some trouble with the seat belt.
He directed me to the restaurant, navigate the parking lot and the step into the restaurant, placed his order - all good. We ate and got back to the house.
The coffee machine wanted another rinse cycle(!) so we started that.
He saw he had a message from his coffee buddy about their meetup tomorrow. He said he wanted to go to the dr about his hand after his coffee thing.
I asked him about the box that came which was the Bay Alarm “life alert” kit. I set that up and tested it out. I told the agent who answered the test call hat it was a test, but he wanted to talk to dad to make sure all was okay. Dad answered him and the. The agent said something like “thanks for choosing Bay alarm, if you have any trouble....etc. and expected an answer from dad. He couldn’t make out what was said because the guy spoke so fast. When dad said “ I didn’t understand” he qagent repeated his spiel REALLY LOUD. Of course it was less intelligible so I asked him to speak slower - which he did but EVEN LOUDER which a) didn’t seem possible and b) didn’t help. Dad shook his head but did say some thanks - which the guy took as an answer and hung up. I was glad that was over.
In the box, besides the (very loud) main unit, was -
- a bracelet - dad didn’t want to wear it, so I put t in the bedroom on the headboard
- a pendant - I put this on one of the handrails inthe bathroom
- a lock box - dad didn’t have a spare key, so we left that for later
- mini medical summary ona fridge magnet - this is for the emergency people can have the info they need. We left that for later
- a form to tell the bay alarm folks where the key is, pills dads taking, etc. Also saved for later.
Dad tested the pendant from the bathrooms and it worked. I made real sure the call didn’t go through to the agent.
The coffee machine was (finally) done and we ran a couple of test cups which he pronounced good (looked to weak to me but whatever.
I told him I’d calll him tomorrow and said goodbye.
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