I will back to track next Wendsay

I will start back to schedule next Wendsay, to taking care of Dad. Thanks for the break offered.

Harold called yesterday AM asking me to come Tuesday rather than Wednesday because his watch was not working. I wasn't able to get up to his house until about 10 AM but Todd picked up breakfast at McDonald's and dropped it off to him. We went to WalMart where they put in a new battery but the watch would not respond. Harold bought an identical Timex for $31.98!!! He had another snack at McDonald's then we went back to his house. I tried to clean out the garage but he didn't want to part with anything. If Lena wants to take Wednesday again, I will move back to Thursday.

Thanks!

I want to say Thanks to everyone of you to taking care of Dad in last 2 weeks for us. I am going to back to work tomorrow, Monday. I hope I could "beehive myself" better at the work.

I will try back on the normal schedule of taking care of Dad next week. I would like to still take either Tuesday or Wednesday for Dad. I don't know your guys scheduled. Wednesday would be great for me.

Please let me know .

Sunday, October 25, 2009

I talked to Dad today on the phone and he is doing well. I took Dad around 2-3 times last week for errands and to McDonalds. Dad has given up on buying a new car; but would like me to drive him around as needed under the stipulation that he will drop me a $20 here and there and will agree not buy another car. So, I think we have a win/win until I find more permanent employment. Dad and I had some good talks last week. Sheryl and I also visited Dad Monday and Friday.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Today was a good day for Harold. Todd & I took Harold out to dinner at Zeponie Pizza (in the complex across the street from his condo). He really seemed to enjoy it! He had a big bowl of salad, some breadsticks and two pieces of pizza. They decorated the place using old record album covers (most were movie soundtracks). He really seemed to enjoy looking at them and reminiscing about old movies. He mentioned he and Joan used to go to movies almost every night after they first were married.

I balanced his checkbook and wrote out checks for a couple of bills that were coming up due.

Harold's doctor's appointment is Tuesday, November 3rd (see post from 10-12-09). I think Todd's planning on taking him.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Sorry for the delay getting this posted. Todd did update some things as a comment under Kathryn's Tuesday post.

Todd & I took Harold to dinner at IHOP. Harold started immediately in on the car - he wants Todd to take him to buy one. We tried to reason with him with logic (see Todd's comment) but didn't have much success. Harold also said he was tired of paying the condo fees of $140.00 per month. He doesn't have the money and it doesn't pay for anything. I reminded him it paid for lawn care, snow removal, cable TV, etc. We also pointed out that rent on an apartment would be $800-$1,000 a month. The $140 condo fees are a lot less than that.

Harold mentioned moving in with Grant. As Todd asked questions it came up that this was all Harold's idea not Grant's. Harold had offered to pay him the $140 condo fees and what he was paying for utilities as "rent". He said Grant said he's think about it.

I just got off the phone with Brother Brandt Sharp, Counselor in the Bishopric of the Centerville 19th Ward. He offered the resources of the Ward to help with Harold, including picking him up and taking him home from Church. I invited him to read the blog and share any insights from the Ward Family. His phone number is 801-397-1144.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Dad was in an extremely pleasant mood today. At breakfast (McDonald's), he shed a few tears over the loss of Gary and Mom. Me too! No talk of cars or moving. He grumbled about the police officer at Gary's home again. I changed the subject. We did quite a bit of grocery shopping. He enjoyed talking Marian, the cashier at Wal Mart, she has 9 children and 33 grandchildren. He said, he really enjoyed talking to people his age at which time, I mentioned that's why it would be well for you to visit the Assisted Living Facility. No comment from him.
I threw away a half of bottle sour milk in his fridge, but he should be good for a couple of days. He said he is walking to church tomorrow. I reminded him that Gary did drive him last Sunday. He had forgotten. He mentioned he had a doctor's appointment next week with Dr. Hendersen, his Urologist. (and Garys'!)

Oct 11 2009 Gary's last ride for Dad

Sunday morning, Dad called around 8:00am to remind Gary to give him a ride to church. Gary does give him a ride to the church every Sunday.
Since Gary looks like still so drugged I told him I would go take Dad, but my loving husband just wants me stay in bed longer. He feels sorry make me could not sleep well for couple of days.
Gary told me after back home that dad said he really really appreciate if Gary could give him a ride to the church every Sunday, instead of asking somebody from the ward give him a ride.

It was Gary's last drive on this earth --- he gave it to dad.............. and left car door open--battery died... and he is gone...........

Grant's phone call

Uncle Grant called me this morning and said he had a long conversation with dad. He said he was blunt, but kind. He told him he thought it was time to go to an Assisted Living situation because he has Alzheimer's. (I'm not sure he is to the Alzheimer's stage yet, that was Grant's version) He said, your dad is in complete denial. Dad claims his memory is good. Occasionally he forgets a few things. He told Grant he only had one incident with the car and his kids took the car away. Grant said he was very angry at Grant's suggestion and using profanity. Grant told him he is welcome to come to Texas for a visit, but not to stay permanently.
Dad had a good day yesterday with Dennis. I don't know how it's been with Todd and Sheryl this week. I wish we could figure out the best way to help him feel happy AND be safe! Dad's lonely, but doesn't want to be around a lot of people.
Dr. Lym, last we spoke, said he most likely has a bleeding ulcer, not cancer, if he is taking Excedrin everyday.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

I called Harold last night to let him know I would be coming today (Wednesday) rather than Lena. It was a very good day on several levels; 1. No mention of buying a car, 2. No mention of moving to San Antonio to live with Grant, 3. We went to Barnes Bank and paid for the Safe Deposit Box, 4. We found the Safe Deposit Keys in a file in the garage (Kathryn now has the extra key), 5. I took the savings checkbook home with me, 6. We had breakfast at Paradise Cafe instead of McDonald's. We will need to make arrangements for Harold to be picked up for Church since Gary was performing that duty. I don't think Harold has been to Church for awhile. He is in the Centerville 19th Ward. I will post a note when I can contact someone. He knows no one will be coming tomorrow.

Updates on Dad's condition

Todd, Sheryl and Mike have all experienced Dad's extreme irrational behavior the past few days, (threats to buy a new car, moving to Texas etc.) possibly brought on by Gary's passing. Den and I called Uncle Grant this morning and asked him if it was true that he wanted Dad to move in with him and he said no! He told Dad he could come visit, but he couldn't be responsible for caring for him. He said, there is no way he should be driving and he also said he was going to call him and tell him he thinks it's time for him to live in an Assisted Living situation. Grant told him that when he was here, but Dad told him he couldn't afford it. We all know he can. I'm concerned that he is going to get someone else to take him car shopping. I think the prices of the cars will give him sticker shock, but the point is, he doesn't have the eye sight or the mental sharpness to be driving. He even yelled at Grant and told him he was going the wrong way on the way to the cemetery.
I spoke with Dr. Lym yesterday. He told me we need to understand that our Dad, as we know him, is already gone. We are dealing with the disease and it's only going to get worse. Agreeing with Dad on everything he says is usually the best way to keep him calm. However, the car thing is a concern. The moving situation in not even a possibility. Dad won't pay for the moving costs or pack himself. Plus, I don't think he could sell his condo right now, unless he gave it away, which is highly unlikely.
Why don't we all look into Assisted Living Pricing and we will compare in a week or so.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

I spoke with Jolene, our cousin, this morning to see how her visit with dad went on the 8th, while I was out of town. She told me that when her husband Steve heard her talk about it, he volunteered to take Dad to McDonalds. They had a super visit. Steve enjoyed it so much that he said he wants to do it every morning!! That was very kind of Steve and I am sure Dad loved having a new audience to share his stories.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Dad called at 8:00 A.M. telling me he is ready for me to take him to breakfast.

So, Sheryl and I (Sheryl took the day off) talked and we decided to pick up food at McDonalds and took him breakfast at his condo.

Actually the visit went really well. While there, Sheryl spent about 90 minutes reconciling Dad's checkbook. Sheryl has some granular questions for Dennis about autopay--duplications in check numbers. Dad showed us Mom's diary that she wrote at the beginning of their marriage.

Dad has a follow up doctor's appt. on Tuesday, November 3rd at 2:45 P.M. We will handle.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Talked to Dad on the phone this morning and invited him to go to the temple with Sheryl and me. Dad declined; but was hungry; so I took him to McDonalds for breakfast. We went to a different McDonalds to mix things up.

Dad and I talked about mom and he brought me up to speed on the John Goddard story. (I was just curious). He also shared some personal spiritual moments he had earlier in his life.

Dad has expressed some interest in bike riding. He is emphatic that he can. I have mixed feelings. I need to get him a helmet and see if he can still do it. Is there a padded bike trail?Thoughts?

Wednesday 7th Oct 2009

I took Dad for breakfast again this morning. He sounds happy and tell me "I am ready right now" when I called him at 8:20 am. He changed that dirty jacket he had yesterday but the one he is wearing today is still dirty. He said he will wash it.
He also told me that he asked his home teacher out, and she said NO to him in such hurry. Dad said she did not tell him the reason, but he thinks because she thinks he is too old. She is around 50-years-old and never married.

Tuesday 6 Oct 2009

Today is Gary's day but Gary is still drugged by extra pain meds he took last night while I wake up this morning (Gary was so "busy" last night and got the hot bath at 1:00 AM.. to trying find out the way to feel better with his back, poor boy....).

Since he was still snoring when I get up, I decided to take care of dad today, instead of him. As soon as I get in the car at 7:30 am, I called Dad "I will be there in 10 minutes". He said :"I won't be ready within 10 minutes, give me 15 -20". I said fine.

When I arrived the condo I called him "I am here. Just walk out whenever you are ready". He sounds upset at me "I already told you that give me 15-20 minutes!!". I answered: "That's why I am calling you WHENEVER YOU ARE READY! Take your time."

We went to McDonald for breakfast. He does not need anything to buy, then I bought a bag of grapes for him.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Sheryl and I caught up with Dad and took him out to dinner tonight. I had a $25 card for Chilis; so we decided to take him there. On the way there, we passed by the Centerville corporate offices where Dad pointed and said, I have a bill to pay; I need to go there.

I reminded him that he and I did that last week. To save face, he backed off and said that he had received another bill even though he was paid up through November as a result of the last visit. So, he's doing better; but is still struggling with his short term memory.

He also told Sheryl and I that he has nearly decided to purchase a new vehicle. Our response was silence (which I think is best when he makes a statement like that.)

We enjoyed Chilis and then took Dad to Walmart to get some headache meds and dogfood for us. Dad is still blown away by Jeffrey R. Holland's talk (as are we).

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Sunday, Dad, Todd and Sheryl came for dinner after the last session of Conference. Gary and Lena couldn't come because Gary was recovering from back surgery on Friday. (I hope this surgery works for you Gary!!) I think Dad enjoyed getting out of his neighborhood for a time. He ate like a champ! He asked if he could see his car, but we told him it wasn't here anymore because it was in the process of being sold. (We learned this morning that it sold for $5500.) He said in the spring he is going to buy a scooter or bicycle to get around. He took enough leftovers home to feed himself for dinner on Monday.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

I called Dad Friday afternoon and asked if would be alright if I didn't get there until 10 am Saturday morning, then I would bring him some breakfast in lieu of McDonalds. He was just fine with that option. I made him some homemade Sausage McMuffins and fresh orange juice and wheat bread (to help with his digestive issues a little). He was very pleasant when I arrived. We watched the morning session of Conference together which was amazing, by the way! We sang together and discussed the talks. A few weeks ago, I had found a stack of papers in the closet in his office. It was a journal Mom had kept of the first 18 months of their married life. She often spoke of her sweety Harold. I returned that to dad today and told him to read it. Hopefully, he can focus on that for a while. It was all positive and tender. He told me the cutest story. He said he and mom use to always talk about what they would do when they passed on to next life. Dad said he wants to lead a choir in heaven, and mom wants to do the Can Can dance! OK!
As I was leaving, he did start to rant a little about wanting all his books back that Dennis gave to DI. He asked, "Why would he do that?" I said, "Why else? You told him to." I don't think he believed me. I told him to tell us the books he wants to read, and we will get them for him.
Also, LuAnn came over last night and took Dad to dinner. I thought that was very sweet!

Business items: Sheryl, I put the bills on Dad's desk that Den paid by billpay. Dad gave me the copy title of the car.( without me asking) We have not heard yet if it was sold at the auction.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Dad phoned this morning needing me to take him to Centerville City Hall to pay his utilities bill. He felt that it should be taken care of this a.m. I took him there at 11:15 A.M. and he is now paid up through December. His next bill wasn't due until October 25; but he opted to pay for two months.

Online payment is now available at www.xpressbillpay.com (FYI for Dennis). I took Dad to get some milk. He seemed more "with it" with me today as well.

Sheryl is going to visit Dad tonight to reconcile his checkbook.

Thanks Mike and Kathy for your kind words. Kathy and Dennis, enjoy your vacation.

Today was the best I have seen Harold in two months! He was lucid, clear, happy and his memory was great! He even had his Rx from Dr. Lym in his shirt pocket (this is the one he said he would get on his own about two weeks ago!). We went to Walmart for his usual breakfast and then the Pharmacy. Back at his house we listened to a CD about President David O. Mckay by Truman Madsen. His duplicate car registration has not arrived. Hopefully it will come tomorrow or Saturday so Kathryn can pick it up.

Wendsday 30 Sep 2009

Today is rainny. I took Dad to Mcdonald for breakfast around 8:00 am. He said Gary forgot help him get the medicine yesterday from Dr. Hunderson. The phamany at Walmart does not open utill 9:00 am so we decided to go home first. He wants get the medicine from cross-street-supermarkt (Dick's?) later after 10:00 am. I called him a couple of time to make sure he is not walking out when it's rainning. Finnaly he got it. So no worries! He sounds happy and always is polite to me, so far....

Monday, September 28, 2009

Sorry this is late.

I felt impressed to visit Dad on Sunday afternoon, September 27 just before heading to Sheryl's family for family dinner. He was very lonely today; but I hope I cheered him up. Dad called me hungry Monday morning, so I took him to McDonalds/Walmart. It's his favorite hangout.

Dad doesn't seem to be as negative with me as others; don't know why. I bought dad some packaged sausage McMuffins and told him that if he's ever craving some, he now has options to pop one in the microwave any time.

Dropped by Tuesday to pick up meals on wheels and place in fridge while Gary took him to the doctor.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Showed up at Dad's condo at about 10:00am. While there he showed me some article from the Ensign that, according to him, proved that his wife had been unfaithful to him with the likes of John Goddard and John Harmer. (What no John Wayne?) What a maroon...
Took him to McDonald's / Wal Mart where he ordered 3 Sausage McMuffins today.
He and I bought some item inside Wal Mart. At 11:30am took him to his (and my former) Urologist, Dr. David Henderson. (620 Medical Drive, Suite 300, Bountiful - 801-298-3247 - for further reference). Dr. Henderson basically said that Dad was doing okay and gave him a couple new prescriptions. (I also had a visit with Dr. Henderson since he was the doctor who performer my first 4 cancer surgeries before I transfered to Huntsman).
After the doctor's appointment Dad wanted to go to the bank so I drove him to Zions Bank in Bountiful and then took him home. The Meals-On-Wheels was waiting for him.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Dad called me about 7:15 a.m. He doesn't understand why I can't get there in 10 minutes like Todd and Gary. He said he was going to buy a bicycle or a motor scooter so he doesn't have to wait for us. I said, "OK." I arrived about 8:15 a.m. and we did the usual drill- McDonalds, bought groceries and then back to the Condo, I cleaned up a bit, we read scriptures and then visited for a while. He asked me if he was really sealed to Mom and I said, "of course you are!!" He said, "When can I see her again?" I told him when he passes onto the next life. He said, "Not 'til then, are you sure?" (by the way, last week, he asked me who my mom was in the middle of a conversation about his doctor's appointment. I replied, "It's Joan!" and he said, " Is that my wife?" "Yes, I said.") Some days, I wish Mom could just stop in and pay him a little visit.
I opted not to discuss any of the insurance issues or medical issues. I didn't want to upset him. He was really missing mom today.
One more thing: He said he was going to cancel the Meals on Wheels because they didn't give him enough food!? I hope he doesn't, but it's up to him.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Dad called me this morning around 8:30 A.M. hungry so he and I went to McDonalds. We talked about his homeowner's policy and his relationship with State Farm etc. etc. Dad seems to prefer to leave his appt. unlocked when he goes out. So, I just lock the door for him.

He told me he keeps his condo open when he leaves because "he has his reasons." I talked to Dad about someday selling our house; him selling his condo and having him move in with Sheryl and I as one of many options.

We'll see how things develop.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Harold called a little after 7 AM to make sure I was coming today. I told him that I was and that I had made an appointment with his insurance agent at 9:30 to discuss his lapsed homeowner's policy. He went ballistic! He was upset that I would make an appointment for him without his permission. When I got there he had calmed down and I canceled the appointment! I took him to breakfast at Walmart and bought a couple of items for his house. As we continued to discuss the insurance issue he agreed to have me call another agent. Jim Kaertz, a Farmers agent, will visit him today or tomorow and hopefully resolve the issue. We talked about insurance on his car at length and he agreed it was better to just sell the car! We could not find the car title in his office so we went to the DMV and applied for a duplicate title which should be sent to his home within the week. I called Steve Fail (a neighbor who gave us the valuation of the car and a car dealer) to get the logisitics set. Steve will pick up the car with dealer plates (no need to get insurance), detail it then sell it at next week's auction. We can get the signed title to him next week. Hopefully this will be the final resolution to the car issue.
Harold was also mad about the doctor appointments that I had made for his tests. I told him Kathryn had made those appointments (turns out she had asked his permission first) and that he didn't have to go if he didn't want to. I did reaffirm that he is slightly anemic and that it probably is due to a small hemmoraging internally. I Googled "hematocrit" (the test he was 3 points low) and it explained that when the RDW was high and the MCV was normal, it probably meant the patient has an acute bleeding problem. His RDW is high and his MCV is normal so we do need to follow up on this but I did not want to press my luck after getting the two insurance issues resolved. He is not very motivated in part because I think he would really rather be in the next life right now.
We also went to the bank and cashed a check for $125.00.

Wednesday Morning

I took dad went to McDonald this morning. We had a nice talk while we were eating.

I told him that me and my parents bought some new flowers and put them on the mom’s grave last Saturday. he was very happy and asked me “have you ever see my wife before she died?”, I said to him with my BIG SMILE FACE : “If your wife died 2 years ago, then Yes, I did see her before she died because I married to your son over 5 years ” . He started laughing….”That’s right! That’s right!”

He does not need anything to buy at Wal-Mart so we went home.

(Lena wrote this)

Medical and Insurance Update

We received in the mail the results of Harold's bloodtest which has already been discussed. I will take these with me tomorrow to walk him through the numbers.
Second, Toby Gonzalez, Harold's State Farm insurance agent, has agreed to meet with Harold and I in the morning. His homeowner's is out of force again. The last check was received after the deadline so Toby has a refund check with him. Hopefully we can work out coverage, etc. and get the condo covered again. The car situation will be different. Don't know what to expect there but to adequately insure the car against theft, etc. will be a few hundred dollars.
If you have any ideas before we meet tomorrow that would be helpful.

Tuesday, September 22,2009

Picked up Dad and took him to his McDonald's at Wal Mart. Had a nice visit. He was looking forward to the Meals-on-Wheels coming today. He said he didn't need anything else so I took him home. He seemed pretty pleasant today.

Monday, September 21, 2009

I went to visit Dad Monday evening, Sep 21.

...pardon the copy, paste, and reconstruct of this post. Blogger wasn't exactly intuitive about my needing an invite to participate.

I took Dad yesterday to McDonalds (Walmart) to eat as all he had to eat today was a can of peaches. (I expressed our concern about his haphazard eating habits.) The meals on wheels folks didn't show up today; but Dad feels they should show up Tuesday.

Going back to Walmart/McDonalds: We ran into Luann and her son. We also ran into another gentleman from the North Canyon Stake that recognized Dad and struck up a conversation; but Dad didn't remember him.

At Walmart, we got Dad some soup, orange juice, and other needed groceries. I had a talk with Dad about the importance of his doctor's appt. He has agreed to look at that again; I just have to help him get over the Excedrin hurdle.

Dad's problem with the doctor's appt. is he kind of wants to accelerate his own mortality. With more time, I will try and get the doctor's appt. redone. Dad and I had a philosophical discussion about his perception of Mom's premature passing due to eating habits/health issues. Dad feels strongly that mom was culpable of that; and I asked Dad, well, if you're doing the same thing...He then stated that it's o.k. for him as an 84 year old to do that; but not o.k. for mom at 77 to do it.

Once Dad realized he painted himself into a corner, I dropped it. (But, he got the point.) I expressed my concern with him not eating enough and regularly. We'll see how meals on wheels does. Thanks Kathy for setting that up.

Dad and I read from the Ensign for FHE and spent some time together.

Saturday Morning

Called Dad at 7:30am Saturday morning to see if he was ready to go to breakfast. When I picked him shortly thereafter he very excited to tell me of a new' lady' he had just meet (maybe he said 'girl' and my subconscious blocked it out). And the good news, he said, is that she is married and, " she's really nice to me...". (I would think her being married and all would be somewhat of a stumbling block, at least initially). When I ask who this person was he said, he said, "The gal that cleans my house." That would be Paula, I said. (Please refer to Dennis' blog of this same date).

When I drove him to McDonald's in Centerville I tried to explain that Paula is a genuinely nice person and is just trying to be helpful - The kindness of strangers phenomenon (and that she is half his age and is already sealed to her husband).

During the McDonald's / WalWart breakfast I asked Dad about the pending colonoscopy and again he reiterated his position of not willing to go without Excedrin for a week prior to the procedure. As a side, I totally understand Dad's reluctance to stop taking the medicine that seems to be the only thing between him and an out-of-control headache. However, I also understand the physician's request because aspirin thins the blood too much during a medical procedure and makes it harder to control bleeding. (I've had to go without about 20 times since 2005).

When Dad said he would rather skip the colonoscopy than the Excedrin, I asked him if he understood the ramifications of what he was saying - Was he willing to put his life at risk over some pills. He said something to the effect that he was 84 years old and windowed and he was quite ready for the next life. Whether or not he'll remember this conversation, who knows...

He said he didn't need anything else that day. He said he was looking forward to Meals-On-Wheels to start next week. He also said he didn't need a ride to church in the morning because he wasn't going. When I asked him why he told me that he was suppose to speak in Sacrament Meeting and was going to bug-out so he didn't have to.
(That's my Dad...)

Gail The House Cleaner

Just got off the phone with Gail Gottfredson who cleans Harold's house every other week. She said they were talking about some LDS fiction books that he had heard of so she asked if he had a library card because they are available at the Farmington Library. He said no, so she took him to get a library card! She also is going to pick up the book today that he wants and take it to his home. Very nice lady. Harold also like her. She also is concerned that he is not using his cane. I told her we all suggest he use it but he thinks it makes him look older and gets in the way of other people! Maybe she will have more success convincing him than we have.

Doctors Appointment on Monday, Sept. 21

Todd, Dad's doctor's appointment is on Monday at 1:30 for a EGD. The address is 620 East Medical Drive, Bountiful. The phone number is 801-298-0057 This test is to check for a bleeding ulcer. I imagine they will go down through his throat with a mild sedative. Dad is making less sense with each conversation.

Ok, I just checked my e-mail and dad wouldn't allow the doctor's office to schedule the appointment because it meant going off of his Excedrin. (which by the way, he told us he wasn't taking any medication except his eye drops). I forwarded the e-mail onto you, Todd. I responded to the e-mail by telling them, we would call on Monday and reschedule. Would you mind doing that Todd? I couldn't set up the procedure because I didn't have his policy number etc.

September 18, 2009

Harold called twice last night. First time he said he had good and bad news. He told us about Dennis and Kathryn going to St. George for Thanksgiving. The story wasn't clear and we just said we'd discuss Thanksgiving plans later. Dennis called later and confirmed they are going to St. George and had invited Harold to go with them. Second call came at 10:00 pm. He wanted to get a copy of the pamphlet "Especially for Youth" for his talk in Sacrament meeting in a few weeks

Todd visited with Harold this afternoon. Todd got the pamphlet he wanted. He said his dad seemed really out of it today. He thought yesterday was Friday. He accused Todd of causing problems by saying Harold had issues with Dennis.

Harold woke up this morning (about 2:00 a.m.) with severe chest pains. Todd asked if he thought it was a heart attack. Harold said no, but he thought it might have been a stroke. Todd asked if he wanted to go to the doctor. Harold said no, he was fine now so Todd didn't press the issue. Todd will be calling this information to Dennis and Kathryn to see if it needs to be passed on to Dr. Lym (blood results received this morning).

Results of Blood Tests

Dr. Lym called us this morning to give us the results of Harold's blood tests last week. The only concern was that he has a mild case of anemia - about three points low. Dr. Lym suggested a couple of possible reasons; 1. A small bleeding ulcer in his stomach or 2. colon cancer. There are other possible reasons he said but these are the most likely. Kathryn will talk to Harold and set up appointments for an EGD (stomach scope) and a colonoscopy. Does anyone know if he has had a colonoscopy in the last five years? Hopefully he will remember if he has.

One More Item

Harold has been asked to speak in Church on September 27th! The topic is preparing to hear General Conference.

September 17, 2009

Harold wanted to go to his usual breakfast eatery so we went to Walmart. As we drove up Main Street I asked him if he had voted in the recent municipal elections? He said he wasn't registered to vote since he moved to Centerville. After breakfast, we went to the Davis County Court House and registered him! He should get a post card in the mail in the next couple of weeks to verify that he is indeed registered. We talked about his mission to New England, where he would want to travel (Denmark on a cruise!) and the possibility of flying to Texas to see his brothers. He said he didn't have enough money to do any of these! I told him he did! On the way home from the Court House he told me I was going the wrong way home (we were on Main Street which runs right by his house) so I just changed the subject. I reminded him that had an appointment at 12:30 with Jennifer Bryson with Meals on Wheels. I called after the appointment and everything is all set up to start receiving meals next week. Jennifer said she would call to set up an account to pay for the meals so Harold doesn't have to worry about it.

September 16- Wednesday

Lena and I are switching days this week so she can be with Gary today. When I arrived there about 9 am Dad had already eaten a bowl of cereal because he thought Lena had forgotten to come. I brought him some Oreo chocolate marshmallow peanut butter cookies! (that's a mouthful!) He popped those right in his mouth. Good sign! He talked about the pictures of mom at Fish Lake again. I cleaned up a little, threw away the Christmas tree in the office. We read scriptures for about an hour. I talked to him about taking a trip to see his brother, Grant. He said he is his closest friend, but he doesn't have any money to go see him. I assured him, he did. I talked to him about the meals on wheels, which he was fine with because he had used that program with his own mother. I talked to them this afternoon and they said they could start next Tuesday, September 22nd. It's only $3.00 donation per meal. They bring in one large nutritious balanced meal between 11:30 and 1:30 each day Monday through Friday. So, Dad could probably get lunch and dinner out it, if he is willing to reheat it in the microwave. They are going to his condo tomorrow at 12:30 to discuss with him his health issues and likes and dislikes with food. They already deliver to two other condos in his Complex.
This time I remembered to bring him his white shirts, however, I did notice he had other white shirts in his closet. I asked him why he didn't wear one of those on Sunday and he said they were dirty. Then I asked why didn't you let Dennis take them to the cleaners and he said they weren't dirty on Thursday!? But three days later they were too dirty to wear?
Dad is excited about going to the temple on Friday evening with his friend in the ward. Sunday evening, someone is picking him up to go to a Study Class. His spirits were fairly happy today. He appreciated the food from Sheryl!

September 15, 2009 - Car Insurance

I forgot to mention this in the previous blog. I found the car insurance policy notice last week. It expired in August. I called the agent (Toby Gonzales) on Monday. He suggested we keep comprehensive coverage only on the car (especially if it's outside). This would be about $67.00 every six months. The problem is the agent cannot change coverage because the policy has lapsed. If we make 1/2 of the six month payment the policy can be reactivated and changed. They will send a refund check for the difference.

I talked to Harold about this and he refused to sign the check. He's ok having no coverage on the car. I'm fine with whatever everyone decides to do.

September 15, 2009

I made a tomato based hamburger/vegetable soup for dinner. Harold had 1 1\2 big bowls of it. We left what was left - he should be able to get 1 to 2 more meals out of it. I also brought him a small loaf of zucchini bread. I brought one last Monday that he seemed to enjoy.

Todd ran to Dick's Market and got 2 half gallons of milk. All his milk was old - he did have one dated 9/13/09 which he drank with dinner. I went through the fridge and threw out a few things that were growing mold.

Harold seemed to be in good spirits last night. Todd told his dad he needed to start considering the fact that he might one day need to go into a nursing home. This did NOT go over well. Todd stressed that this wasn't go to happen soon, but it might become a reality in the future.

September 14, 2009

Because I have medical procedures on Tuesday and Wednesday I traded Todd for this week. I pick up Dad at around 8:30 am. We looked at some pictures and he started to complain that his wife (I believe her name was Joan…) never liked to go fishing at Fish Lake (catchy name) with him. I told him that some people just don’t like to fish…

With that problem resolved I drove him to his favorite dining establishment, McDonald’s at WalMart. He was kind enough to give me directions to this particular WalMart (the one I’ve been coming to since it opened in 2003) ;o)

He ordered his usual 2 Sausage McMuffins and water. I asked him if he needed any groceries while we were here. He indicated he just needed one thing: a gallon of Sunny Delight (orange-colored liquid). I took him home and he seemed happy as a clam. I told him Todd and/or Sheryl would over on Tuesday evening.

September 13- Sunday

Today Dad was pretty upset with me. I forgot to give him his shirts that we picked up from the dry cleaners. I left them in my car when I took him into the house. He called my home looking for me and I wasn't home until late that night. I didn't listen to my messages until after church the next day, by then he had called three times each time yelling a little louder. He said he didn't go to church because of me. Dennis said there were other white shirts in his closet when he was there on Thursday. I apologized and told him I would bring the shirts to him during the week when I visit him next. Whew.

September 12- Saturday

I picked up Dad around 9:15 am for breakfast at McDonald's. He didn't need any groceries. He wanted a hair cut at his favorite barber shop which he was able to direct me. (it's located in the Super Target parking lot) off of Parrish Lane. After the hair cut we picked up his dry cleaning at Bountiful Family Cleaners on 500 West and around 300 South. I needed to pick up a few items at Costco, so he and I went together. (ironically, we ran into Gary!) He loves pushing the grocery cart around. After, we walked around the parking lot for about 10 minutes looking for my car, since I forgot where I parked!! My dementia was in rare form today!? I was a little rushed for time since I had to be to Tara's in Riverton by 1pm, so I didn't get a chance to wash the dishes or anything. I put a few photos around I found in his closet that I framed. I talked to him about Meals on Wheels. He said he would be fine with it if he didn't have to pay. He was in an extremely happy mood today. He was pretty tired when we arrived home. I asked him about the prescription Dr. Lym gave him for constipation and said he would get it later, so Todd or Sheryl, maybe on Monday. Apparently, it's something he can buy over the counter. The doctor wrote it up as a prescription so perhaps his insurance would cover it for him, but I think he would prefer buying it over the counter.

September 11, 2009

Todd & I visited Harold tonight. Took him to dinner (McDonald's at WalMart). He needed a few items (Milk of Magnesia, etc). I wrote out checks for his outstanding utilities and Amex bill and updated the checkbook. I have the car insurance policy statement. Do we need to contact the agent and cancel the policy? Harold said he didn't have any prescriptions to fill (see Dennis' post from yesterday) and that he didn't need cash. I put the items from the dish drain in the dishwasher and started it for him.

Todd asked if anyone was visiting him. He said "no" but then remembered Dennis took him to the doctor yesterday. He's upset Dennis is "pushing him" about everything. When Todd asked for specifics he couldn't come up with anything but the Senior Center activities.

Todd & I have talked about looking into Meals on Wheels or something similiar. We worry about his eating habits. Maybe they could bring in a late lunch/early dinner on some days. This could add some varity to his McDonald's favorites and help with getting some more nuturious meals.

Visit and Groceries - 9/2

9-2-2009(sent by email orginally)

I had a last minute meeting to attend in Utah yesterday and today so I had a chance to drop in on Dad.

Mikel and I drove up Tuesday night and spent a couple of hours with Dad.

He said that he needed groceries so we picked him up what he needed.

He seemed in good spirits but was quite irratic in what he spoke about. (The usual 40 year old home teaching woman etc etc) We joked about that Mikel's name was... Several times.

The house seemed clean and I noticed nothing of concern.

m

September 11, 2009 10:22 AM

Two more items!

1. Dr. Henderson's phone number is 298-3247
2. Harold says he has a study group the third Sunday of each month which would be Sept 20th at 7 PM. This would be a very good activity for him. I think the group is from his old Bountiful Ward. We will need to get some information for him to attend.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

I called Harold yesterday to remind him of his appointment today with Dr. Lym, a family practitioner. I told him he needed to fast from midnight until his appointment at 10:45 AM. When I picked him up this morning he said he had been fasting since I called yesterday! Next time I will call at night before a doctor's appointment!
He talked to the doctor about his constant battle with constipation - Dr. Lym gave him a Rx which he would not let me take him to get filled. He said he would take care of it. I don't know why he would not let me take him. The other item was a urinary problem that Dr. Lym referred to a Urologist that Harold had already seen. When Dr. Lym told him, Harold said he wanted to pick the doctor he would see. When we got home we looked through his phone book and found the doctor he wanted - Dr. David Henderson at Lakeview. I made an appointment for September 29th at 11:30. That is a Tuesday (Gary).
I painted the curb in the garage so that he would be able to see it better. I also took his white shirts to the cleaners. Kathryn will pick them up Saturday.
I should also mention that I asked Dr. Lym privately what signs we should be looking for to determine if Harold is entering the initial phases of Alzheimer's. These are the things he said to look for: 1. Change in personality, 2. Getting disoriented while driving, 3. Forgetting to eat, 4. Unable to keep his own checkbook and 5. Unable to purge old items from the refrigerator. (I am really suprised I could remember all five!) When I told Dr. Lym that he is doing all these things he gave me a packet of materials for us to read about Alzheimer's and some sample medication. I didn't give Harold the medication because he still denies having any memory problems.
I forgot to mention that we went to Crown Burgers because he said he was starved. No kidding, after fasting for 24 hours. When I left, he thanked me for taking him to the Dr. and for lunch.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Tues. 9/8/09
Gary called and said he had a bad weekend with his migraines (even spent an evening in the ER) and asked if I could take his place today. Dad was a little upset when I arrived, but was calmer during his McDonald run. He said our visits weren't working because no one was coming. I reminded him of the people that had come the last couple of days, and then he remembered. We had a pleasant visit and then purchased some food items. I think it's best if we buy food items that he doesn't have to prepare in any way, just take out of the box and eat. He was excited about two new t-shirts I bought him. He picked them out and they were only $5.00 each. Got to love Wal-Mart! He said he needed t-shirts because his other shirts were too hot. He also bought bananas, OJ, granola bars, mini cupcakes and twinkies. (Not that healthy, but it's what he wanted) After Wal-Mart I took him home, did the dishes, and then we went to the hardware store to get batteries for his remote control in the Living Room. He was excited to watch TV in the Living Room. He talked a lot about the photos of mom that he thought were at Fish Lake. He wrote on the back of them they were taken at Fish Lake. He was so excited to think that she went to Fish Lake with him at one time! Whether it's true or not, it doesn't matter! He needs to believe she did! I hope she did!
We talked for a while, then before I left, I reminded him of his doctor's appointment on Thursday. About a month ago he asked me to make an appointment with a doctor to help him with his dementia. I promised him either me or Dennis would be there to take him. He had to fast 12 hours before the physical. He was pretty happy when I left.