new years eve

Got gramma pills and brought them paridise bakery. They were both in great spirits, in fact I havent seen Gramma cry in 3 days. I told Noah to stay home and I would cover today, but a little later here comes Cohen and Noah to visit. I think they are doing amazing. Happy New Years!!!!!!

12.30.10

Grandma went out to a movie today and Noah and Cohen kept Jack company. Jack ate pretty good today. They even both went out to dinner with Noah and I to the Pizza Kitchen tonight. Jack was complaining about the cold the whole time but I think he still had a good time. They both did great. Grandma said she loved her movie. We dropped them off at home, gave the their pills and kissed them goodnight. Pretty good day if I may say so myself. Carol hope you get feeling better! Take care of yourself and stay in bed!

december 29

boy the last 3 days gramma and grampa have been great. grampa is eating 3 meals a day!!!!! and moving quit a bit. Noah gave him his bath and the first time he was exhausted afterwards!!!!!! they also both seemed pretty clear today. that cohen is so affectionate that he hugs on both of them all day long. THATS THE BEST MEDICINE.

12.26.10

Christmas Day GG had a hard time getting going. Since we had a get together over here at our place we just kept going back and forth hoping they would get dressed and come over. We took them breakfast ("lunch" by the time they ate) and took them over some dinner to eat later that night. We took over their christmas gifts to them also. It wasn't a very good day for either of them but we made the best of it.

Today Noah and I took them over some left over egg dish and they ate about 10. Grandpa got up earlier and took his pills. We also filled up his water cups. Then we had to leave to run errands for the day and right after we had to go visit Stan for a late Christmas. I had to call them about 6:30 to make sure they were eating what we left for them and grandma said they did eat and that grandpa ate just as much as she did. I asked her if he drank his waters and she said that his cups I had filled for him earlier were empty. He also had snacks by his bed so I am hoping he nibbled on them. When we got home from Stans we made sure they took their pills and then called it a night. It was a tough weekend for them so hopefully this week will be better...

christmas eve

Got over to gramma and grampas about 12:00. Grampa had gone to breakfast with Amanda Cohen and Noah!!!!!!!! great he got out. Gramma was still in bed. I guess he ate really good. I looked up on the internet what to eat with low iron. so i bought him raisens, apricots, whole wheat muffins, brocolii and spinish and V8 , also 3 cups different colors to keep next to bed for water. He ate alot of the apricots and raisins we just need to keep bringing him in food and tell him to eat.

12.23.10

Today has been a very busy day for us. We did manage to get over to GG's about 7:30 tonight. Noah went over to check on them and give grandpa his pills. When he asked about their dinner grandpa said he and grandma got in an argument over his labs and he didn't want to eat the ready made meal she had heated because it didn't sound good to him. So he went in the fridge and sneezed and grandma got on his case about that so he just skipped dinner (all this coming from Jack). So since they were going to bed early Noah took out an ensure and gave him his pills. Noah mentioned breakfast tomorrow and grandpa got all mad again and said something to the affect that he knows exactly what he needs- eggs from IHOP. So Noah and I are taking them to IHOP tomorrow:)

He is a tough one. Even though them meals may be right in front of him prepared and all, he still may only eat a few bites which scares me. Carol and I talked tonight about having snacks around that are easy to grab. Not sure if it will work but we should at least try. Also whoever is in charge in the AM we need to have them set out his water for the day in his cups ready to go. That way they are out in plain sight and even grandma can help remind him to drink. The eating part will be difficult. We all know how he gets with the bath, and getting him to eat sometimes is just as much of a challenge.

Ann thank you so much for making that meal calendar. That will really help Noah and I out to see what is actually being delivered. We can absolutely help with the prep and show them how to do if needed. Grandma has been pretty good about dinners though. I have also bought some frozen breakfast bowls and sandwiches that take a couple minutes to prepare and talked to Noah about making sure he preps this for him in the AM's. If this doesn't work with all our combined efforts we may have to look into an appetite enhancing supplement. Some of my patients have had great results with an appetite enhancer. Let's take this a step at a time. I will make sure and talk to grandpa tomorrow about his labs and try to give him some gentle prodding with some experiences I have encountered with some of my patients in similar situations. Maybe I can "scare" him into eating...who knows what the best approach is but we will try it all to get him better:)

Grandpas Labs

Hi All :)

I just spoke with Ann and she mentioned grandpa's lab still show his nutrition is still low. If they are talking about his albumin, it will take a little while for this to actually increase on the blood test.  Although, here are my suggestions and you may already be doing them.

When Chris and I brought grandpa pizza at Lifecare he said he was not hungry- but then when we put a piece in front of him he ate it all.

I know we have the resources their (i.e. the ensure and the sunfare meals- three x per week). Although I am not sure if they are being made for them or being handed to him/them.

Here is my suggestion:
The Ensure can be used in the morning and evening to take his pills with (open it for him and hand it to him to drink with meds). That will give him the rec'd two per day (each bottle meets 25% of his needs for a day). If we leave it up to him, we do not know if he takes any at all.

The meals come M/W/Fri. They need to be cooked and prepared. I think regardless of what they tell you "we just ate", "we are not hungry", etc.  Someone other than Marilynn or Jack needs to read the cooking directions, and bake the food and plate it for them- so it is ready for them to eat.  If we leave it up to them, it does not always get eaten. This is real common is nursing homes, unless the food is opened for them, put in front of them, they do not eat it. I know that seems so simple, but when people are old, it is alot of work just to get dinner ready- even when it shipped right to your door :)  You guys may be doing this already- but I wanted to suggest it in case this would help. Just an idea (You do not have to sit there and eat with them, just throw it in the oven and prepare it for them).

Let me know if you need help, but those are my nutrition thoughts to help improve their status.

THANKS!!

Ann

From Ann Foley

Hi! It is Ann.
I am planning to go over to Marilynn and Jacks about 10 AM tomorrow (Tues) to help Mariynn wrap some Chrsitmas presents.  I have also called Sunfare/meals (623-582-0588) Natalie is our coordinator to let them know that it would be great if we could start back to Mon, Wed and Fri meals. Just peek outside, I am guessing it will start net week, as we just changed it for this week to Mon and Thursday only.  Amanda- I made this change back per Carol and Johnny both had a request to do so.  Also, if breakfast is becoming difficult, this is also something Sunfare can accomodate. Carol and I both have the passcode to their acct online or we can always call Natalie. We can view their menu online too, but Marilynn says she is happy with what has been coming (but we can make changes easily).  If they do not want a "real" breakfast the Ensure is perfect in the AM and will count as a breakfast (250 calories and 13 g protein). Also, we are plainning to bring them lasagna Christmas Eve about 6:30 (We are going to 4:00-5:15/5:30 mass then head over after I pick up teh food at our house). Marilynn was thrilled but now keeps telling Ann Kenyon she has nothing to do Christmas eve (she keeps asking).  But that is the plan unless she tells us not to come. I hope that helps. Ann

Groceries

Jack and Marilynn have been doing great. She called me today to ask if she could order an Almond loaf for us to pick up for the Christmas party. She is looking forward to that:) We bought a small list of groceries for them today. Picked up some microwavable breakfast sandwiches and some egg/turkey sausage bowls I think Grandpa will really like. We also bought them some whole grain waffles-not sure if he will eat those? We will see. They are both doing great and we have been over there 2-3x day. Grandpa seems to have more energy that is growing each day. I think seeing Cohen helps:)

more test

YESTURDAY WHEN I ARRIVED AT GRAMPA'S THE HOSPITAL CALLED AND SAID I COULD BRING HIM IN FOR HIS TEST, LUNG SCAN, ECHO GRAM AND CHEST X RAY. GRAMPA WAS WEAK, BUT I WAS GLAD CHRIS AND NOAH HAD GIVING HIM A BATH THE DAY BEFORE. IT TAKES HIM ALONG TIME TO GET READY SO GRAMMA, GRAMPA COHEN AND I WERE OFF. WE GOT HIM ADMITTED AND THEN I TOOK COHEN TO MCDONALDS FOR A HHAPPY MEAL HE WANTED TO GO IN THE TUNNELS AND SLIDES AND SO I LET HIM. THE POOR LITTLE GUY JUST TOOK OFF AND GOT ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP AND SAW A SLIDE AND FREAKED OUT SCREAMING. THERE WE WERE BOTH SCREAMING AND EVERY MOM AND DAD WERE SENDING THERE KIDS IN TO HELP!!!!!!!! I COULD SEE HIS LITTLE FACE SCREAMMING GRAMMA GRAMMA!!!!!!IT WAS AWEFUL BUT THOSE DARLING LITTLE KIDS HELP HIM OUT. I WISH I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT THEM ALL ICE CREAM!!! THEN WE WENT BACK AND PICKED UP GRAMPA. THEY WERE BOTH VERY TIRED BUT WHEN WE ARRIVED BACK HOME JOHNNY HAD LUNCH FOR THEM. AMANDA SAID SHE WAS GOING TO GET THEM SOME KIND OF BREAKFAST MUFFIN THEY CAN PUT IN THE MICROWAVE. THEY NEED TO BE EATING SOMETHING EVERY MORNING.

Lunch with jack

Grandpas favorite spot to eat!


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Location:Gallaghers

Yesturday took grampa to the lung doctor. He wants to run a couple of scans to see how the lungs are doing. He said because he still has the clots in his lungs that it puts more pressure on the heart. He brought up the word commadine again, but he said after the test we can talk about it. I hope one of you can go with us when this happens. I am not miss medical and I dont want to make that discission. He had the most energy yesturday since he has been home. infact he wanted to go out to eat, but gramma was to tired. Noah came over and babysat Grampa while Gramma and I went to see Addison Christmas Program. That was great and Gramma and I laughed alot. (MUCH NEEDED) Still need to take him for blood work maybe friday

Gramma ran away!!!!!!!!!

Monday

Went to gramma and grampas. Took Johnny to the airport, by the time I got back to Gramma's she was dressed and ready to go!!!!!!! She needed it. She went to Connie's for a Chrstmas lunch with her friends. I talked to Lorraine and she asked how she could help. I told her please go with my mom to a lunch and a movie. Grampa is getting better because he is up alot more and full of alot of vinigar. Cortney, Addison and Ava came over to visit. Ava had the shoes of the year on!!!!!They brought Gramma and Grampa Cookies and a cute sweatshirt made with hand prints of Ava and Addison. Noah came over and spent some time with Grampa. Gramma got home around 5. And she seemed alot happier. She hates that she has no life!!!!!! Today Noah and I take Grampa to the Lung Doctor I hope this goes smoother then the Heart Doctor.

Today is Saturday. I thought I would bring Dad his favorite Big and Juicy from McDonalds. It was one of those days I COULD NOT DO ANYTHING RIGHT!!!!!!!!!HE WAS MEAN THE WHOLE TIME!!!!! I know he is frustrated, but he is also mean to MOM she need to get out more. She said all she wants to do is sleep. Maybe I can talk her into going Grocery shopping with me Monday. It can be very depressing over there!!!!!!!! I only stayed a couple of hours. Noah gave him his pills in the morning and an ensure. ONE DAY AT A TIME!!!!!!!

Sick

So I got sick yesterday. I have been quarantined to my home. I was off work today also to try and get some rest. Thank goodness Johnny is in town! Couldn't have happened at a better time. Noah went to check on them this AM and Johnny was making sure they ate and took meds. He also helped them tonight with dinner and meds. Thank you so much Johnny! I unfortunately do not feel any better today but I'm hoping I can miraculously wake up feeling better tomorrow? In the meantime Noah will be helping along with Johnny this weekend to get them what they need. So if anyone comes to help, just stay away from our home. We don't need anyone else sick! Let's hope Noah or Cohen isn't next...tis the season!

Yesturday monring at 8:00 Noah went over took out their trash and checked on them. They were both asleep

I went to see Mom and Dad around 9:30 they were still in bed and asleep once again Dad said he was tired and weak. They both did get up and come out for breakfast. Both were in pretty good spirits. Grampa had a Heart Doctor appoint at 2:30 He took him off Lipitor and Aspirin. He will remain on 200mg of Amirodarone because he want to make sure his heart stay regular with all the other things grampa is trying to heal from. He is still on Lexapro for depression Metoprtal for Blood Pressure, Furosemide the Diatectic, Potassium the horse pill he complains about. Omeprazole for acid reflex. Also his breathing treatment. He once again confirmed that Grampa went through a terrible thing at 85 and it will be a long recover!!!! It would have kicked a 45 year old hard!!!!!! He is our living Miricle!!!!!!! He was mean the whole time there!!!!!! the whole drive home!!!!!!! and when he got home!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am sure he is so angry because of depending on everyone else to do things. He is a very proud man. Gramma is having a hard time, so lets thank god for both of them and keep praying for some joy in there HEARTS!!!!!!

12.8.10

Went to G&G's tonight for BP and meds. They were eating one of their precooked meals. Some kind of chicken/beef and rice combo. Looked like something from Pei Wei. They both cleaned their plates. Got grandpas pills for him and he dropped them on the floor. We almost couldn't find the half white pill that was under the table. Not good. But we got it all situated and he is good. His BP looked so good tonight. He also stated he felt like he had more energy today. Seems like he was drinking WATER! Good. Haha. Tomorrow he has an appt with the Cardiologist at about 2. Carol is taking the list of his BP's with her. Carol could you also ask if he could run some blood work to check his blood count and maybe a Potassium /Sodium level since he is on Potassium? It would be good to know this stuff. Thanks everyone.

today

Today was Gramma Gene's Funeral. So Noah took care of grampa this morning

After the funeral I picked up Paridise Bakery and when I arrive Gramma was in the garage crying

It sometimes is very hard on her. We went in and I told them some of the things Addison was saying at the Funeral and then they were both laughing.

They ate real good and Grampa seemed to be pretty strong today, but after he ate and opened the mail he was back in bed with gramma. They got there house cleaned today so that was nice. They love Noah and Amanda and Cohen being so close.

12.7.10

Thank you so much Chris and Ann for taking G&G Flo's for dinner tonight. Chris took Grandpa's BP again since it was low earlier and it was still 90/55:( Chris enforced the water thing but it might be a good idea to have the Cardiologist he sees on Thursday run some blood work. Chris also made sure they took their PM meds and Ann said his order of Ensure came in so he should have a good stock:) Thank you EVERYONE for your help!

Breaks?

Went to check on the kenyons this AM and carol was already there. Take a break lady! Haha.


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Bath

I told jack that I am coming back tomorrow for another shower. Hopefully if I start now I can get him in before next Monday.

via noah's iPhone

12.6.10

Jacks BP tonight was 100/68 HR 55. Told him to drink more water. He has enough ensure to last the week and their meal came today and they were reheating food when I left. Noah was finally able to convince grandpa to take a bath. He wasn't able to talk his way out of it another day. So now we have a clean grandpa:) thanks carol for coming to help with Cohen and for getting them groceries. grandpa now has a brand new BP cuff that I left in a blue case in the kitchen just in case anyone need it. We will be over there again once more tonight to make sure their meds are taken.


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Update from carol

GRAMPA IS DONE WITH PHISICAL THERPY IN WAS ONLY ALOUD 5 VISITS.
WE WERE SUPPOST TO SEE DR PHILLIPS BEFORE CHRISTMAS BUT HE WANTED GRAMPA TO SEE A HEART AND LUNG SPECIALIST BEFORE. BECAUSE AFTER GETTING ALL THE REPORTS FRO THE HOSPITAL THE CONDITION OF GRAMPAS HEART WAS WORSE THEN HE THOUGHT. HE HAS AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE HEAR DOCTOR ON THURSDAY, SO I HOPE NOAH CAN HELP ME GET HIM THERE BECAUSE GRAMPA IS STILL WEAK AND ALOT TO CONTROL. I FEEL SO SO SO MUCH BETTER NOW THAT NOAH AND YOU ARE THERE. LOTS OF LOVE THANKS CAROL

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Sunday night story

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This weekend

This weekend Jack did very well. Noah and I were moving in this weekend so it was difficult to get over to do exercising and baths. We did however see them in the AM and PM for meds (which they took perfectly) and to make sure they were fed. Jack still struggles with his energy. On Friday Noah has a hard time getting him up to do anything. Saturday he did seem a bit "spunkier" and that lasted all day. His BP has been up and down. I've only taken it the last two nights and the first night it was higher (155/80's) and tonight it was love (93/35) however i don't think my wrist BP cuff is right for him as he shakes quite a bit. I am going to get him his own BP cuff and thermometer tomorrow. As far as nutrition goes they have been eating well. The pre made meals are a hit and they usually eat most of them. We will keep an eye on that to see if they need more/less. The ensure shakes are a hit with Jack. He loves them for breakfast and usually will have a second one throughout the day. He loves them so much that is he now out of stock! Ann has a case ordered for him that should come in later this week. In the meantime Noah is going out tomorrow to get a case to last him for the week.
We were able to finally relax after a long weekend of moving and were able to go over and sit down to a meal with Jack and Marilynn for Sunday dinner. Cohen loved sitting with Marilynn and reading a book. Jack went off to bed but not before I gave him his PM meds. I really feel like this will be good for them to have use over often. Marilynn just loves Cohen!

THIS WEEK
Jack has a dr appt I believe it's Wed with Dr. Phillips. I'm not in the look with appts but I would like to be so Carol let me know if this is right and where you plan on writing these appts so we can keep up. It's also nice to have them on a calendar to remind Jack and Marilynn.

Physical therapy and skilled nursing come to the house a few times a week to check on Jack. If one of us catches them please get updates. I would love to get into contact with the nurse so we can compare notes. It would be nice to show them our calendar so they can write the dates/times when they are coming so we know when to expect them.

If anyone has anything else to add please don't hesitate!

Welcome!

Hello to all family of Jack and Marilynn Kenyon. As you all may know, Noah and I are the "chosen one's" who will be taking care of GG and Papa for about a year or so. We are officially their new neighbors and so far it has been great. HUGE thank you to Johnny for providing such a lovely home for our little family. It is truly appreciated more than you can know. Big thanks also to Carol for getting us on a schedule for GG and Papa. So here is the scoop thus far:


Amanda & Noah
Noah and I will be visiting the Kenyon's daily (usually AM/PM sometimes more) to check on meds and food. Every evening I will be checking Jack's vitals and recording them. I will get a nice little record book but for now I just have a regular old piece of paper. I will be posting these vitals daily to this blog along with any updates as far as food or meds go (missed doses, etc). Noah will be assisting Jack with showers 2x week and also walking/excersise daily in the AM. We are also willing to help with groceries, med setup, med pickup, and anything else that may be more convenient for us to do since we live so close.

Carol
Carol will be visiting Mon/Wed/Fridays and depending on doctors schedules for Jack & Marilynn this may change. Carol is in charge of medication setup, dr appts, and finances. Carol if there is anything else please let us know:)

Ann Foley
Ann has been the one to set up meal delivery 3x wk (Mon/Wed/Fri) for Jack and Marilynn. These meals come pre made and ready to heat up. They are dropped off at their doorstep in a cooler in the AM. Whoever is there first visiting in the AM will be in charge of making sure this gets inside and into the refrigerator. Ann also has access to nutritional supplements (shakes) and is ordering Jack some to keep on hand. Thank you so much Ann for setting the meals and nutrition up! It makes everyone's job that much easier.

Please let us know if anything has to change as far as these jobs go. Noah and I are ready and willing to take on what we can. We really appreciate the help from all of you because as you all know, this is not a one person (or even one family) job. It takes all of us pulling together to make it work. For those of you familiar with blogs, send your email address to a.field.m@gmail.com and I will add you to the "persons allowed to post" list so you can get on here and give your own updates/thoughts. If you are not familiar but would like to add your own info you can either just email it directly to me and I can post it or I can teach you how use blogspot. It is really pretty simple! I am very excited about this blog in hopes that it will connect us all and keep us informed of how GG and Papa are doing.

We love you all!
Love,
Noah and Amanda