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.