Heaven's Calling

Hello, friends and family. I am updating you with sad news. Vickie passed away today at 2:12pm at MD Anderson. Dad was with her along with his dear friend Jim Sanders and sister-in-law, Deborah Dobbins. Mandi and I(Amy) and our husbands flew here immediately when Dad called. Many of her siblings drove here as well to be with Dad. Our hearts are very sad knowing that she will not see home again the way we will see home, but she will see her home from the skies of Heaven, smiling down on all of her loved ones. Thank you to all of you who have called and prayed endlessly for peace and comfort. Services are tenatively set for Saturday afternoon. Be looking for the obit in the San Angelo Standard Times by Friday.

Ups and Downs

When we updated last, everything seemed to be doing better. We went back up Sunday morning and her night had been awful. The medecine was too much for her and sedated her completely. This along with a new infection and high fever led to an increase in her heart rate. They spent most of Sunday trying to get her more conscious and this left her in excrutiating pain. The moved on to a morphine pump that she had to push to medicate and this too is challenging since she is often asleep and too weak. The infection came back to be a bladder infection and they have already had her on antibiotics since yesterday morning. Her fever has come back down as of tonight as well as her increased heart rate. The dr would like to have all of her medications under control and infection cleared before sending them home. It looks like they will be able to get an air ambulance that fits them both to bring her home and then an ambulance will pick them up at the airport to take them the rest of the way home. I know she and dad are very anxious to get back home to the comforts of their own house. Amy and I are in the process of getting everything ready for when that day comes. We are hoping no later than the end of the week they will be here. The dr did mention trying another round of radiation to shrink the tumors in the back to alleviate some of that pain, I don't think she is up for any more chemo or radiation, but I know her and dad are processing all situations. He is absolutely exhausted but seems to be holding on. Vickie's brother has been up there with him the last two days and I know an old friend will be up there tomorrow night to be with him. We jsut ask that right now everyone prays not only for comfort and peace, but for understanding and clear thoughts. We also pray for safe travels and for her to be in no pain during the trip. PLease send this to anyone who you know is needing to be updated. We will be adding to it nightly.

Sunday Update

She has finally gotten settled into a room in the hospital here at MD Anderson. The Doctors have her pain under control well. She is trying to eat and drink best she can. They are making decisions on more IV fluids for nutrition and added calories. The Dr. will be in Monday morning to discuss options on how to get her home. It is an issue because of her weakness, pain and nausea. Their options are by ambulance, helicopter or private plain. All have their pros and cons. We expect them to begin home on Wednesday or Thursday after her IV fluids are complete. Although we are unsure exactly we are hoping they'll be home by Thursday or Friday. We (Amy and Mandi, Shane and Preston) are going home this afternoon. Thank you everyone for your continued love and support. We couldn't do it without you.

Updates

I am updating many of you on Vickie. We flew into Houston this afternoon to be with dad and Vickie. They got all of the tests in from the drs here and the reports are not good. They show much more growth of lesions on her bones. There is quite a significant one on her spine. They ran one final MRI this afternoon with concerns that her spine might now be compressed. She has been admitted to the hospital here for pain control as well as trying to give her some nutrition through her IV. We are looking at possibilities on how to transport her home. We are hoping they will use the Medi Helicopter to bring her home. We should know more about all of this within the next 2 days. PLease keep your prayers coming. We are seeking a miracle.

Dad and Vickie will be on their way to Houston early tomorrow morning. He will use this blog to update family and friends without worrying who he's talked to. Please forward this address on to anyone who would want regular updates.