Home Again.

Sylvia was released from UCLA Hospital on Tuesday so that she could keep her appointment with the oncologist that morning. It was determined that traditional Chemotherapy may not be the best option for her. Instead, she may participate in a clinical trial. She is having some tests done on Friday morning to determine the final treatment plan. She is still having some issues with her digestion and the sores on her mouth, but her overall health is improving. She is proud to say, in her words, that she no longer walks like a bow-legged cow. She is regaining her strength daily.

Again, she is awed by the amount of love she is receiving. She now knows, without a shadow of a doubt, how important she is to so many. Thank you for the overwhelming show of love. We truly believe in the power of prayer and that God will give her the strength that she needs through the love and support of her friends and family.

A Snafu, a Thank You and a Move.

Sorry for the delayed update. It felt as though we were in a perpetual state of limbo so I wanted to wait to report until our dilemma was solved. Although Sylvia's Oncologist had asked for a transfer to UCLA, she simply wasn't sick enough to be given a bed there anytime soon as they are so 'impacted' with beds in high demand from all over the area. So, it seemed, she was just going to be released from Downey Community even though her infections are not fully healed. Sylvia was very concerned about that, knowing that it is critical that she continue to receive full-time medical care so that her symptoms do not reoccur as they did previously. After some very fancy footwork and help from friends, Debi found a new GP through UCLA. In the first phone call to Dr. Susan Charette's office they offered to transfer Sylvia to the brand new UCLA geriatric facility in Santa Monica where they had beds open! In Debi's words, it seemed "to good to be true". But, she made the move last night by ambulance. Vickie and Bruce accompanied her and said that her room is beautiful, quiet, and state of the art. She is very tired this morning because of the transfer and a multitude of tests that were done upon intake last night. However, when she has more energy, we are sure she will be walking up and down the halls with assistance as she had been doing at Downey Hospital. At UCLA she will be under excellent daily care for her health issues, and will also be provided close access to the world-class medical specialists that will heal her.

After two weeks of constant dedication and care, Cathy had to make her way home last Sunday. She was truly extraordinary , spending day and night taking care of her mother. We all appreciate the sacrifice her and her family made so that she could spend this time with Sylvia. Thank you Cathy. We miss your presence here.

Go Big Red!!

Today was good. Sylvia's fever and stomach ulcers are gone and she has been getting out of the bed and sitting in her chair. She was not transferred to UCLA today, maybe tomorrow. She did, however, watch college football and ask about the Nebraska game. They won. Go Cornhuskers!!! She mentioned her desire to attend the next local Nebraska game. As most of you know, nothing can come between Sylvia & her Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Sylvia truly enjoys reading each and every card that she gets. They are all so beautiful and uplifting. They keep her connected with all of her family and friends. If you would like her to get your cards sooner you can send them to her daughter Vickie's house. If you need her address, please email me at gabrielle.beauvais@gmail.com. I will gladly forward it to you.
Also, if you did not receive the blog announcement email from me directly, it is because I do not have your email address. Please, take a moment and send it to me at the above address. Thanks!

Good Things are Happening.

As of last night, Sylvia had a blood transfusions and was feeling much perkier. She had a nice visit with Charles and Esther. She ate most of the piece of custard pie they brought her and even felt good enough to make fun of Debi. She promptly kicked us out at 8:45pm so she could go to bed. It was a good night.
Today, she had an appointment with the top geriatric oncologist in the LA area, Dr. Gary Schiller at UCLA. She wasn't able to make it, as she was enjoying a visit from her sister Alta, so Debi and Bruce went in her place. He agreed to take her on as a patient and made a personal call asking for a bed for her at UCLA. This is great news. We are expecting that she will make the move either sometime tonight or tomorrow. We are very hopeful.