Lorraine Update

After seeing Russ off this morning, I headed down to Colette's place. We planned to see Lorraine. We went to Springfield and met up with Mom, Dad, Evelyn (Roger's widow), Mae and Gloria at Mae's place in Springfield.

Mom and Evelyn went to the (Springfield) hospital first to visit Lorraine. Colette and I stayed at Mae's place and chatted with Mae, Gloria and Dad for awhile. Since Gloria was going home today, leaving around 12:30, 1:00 for the airport, we chose to spend some time conversing with her. I believe the last time I had seen Gloria was back in the 1970's. So, taking some time to see and talk to her was important.

After a bit, Colette and I walked over to the hospital (a 3 block walk) and spent time with Lorraine. We were there for quite awhile. Bob, Mom and Evelyn were there when we arrived. Mom and Evelyn left awhile after we arrived. Colette and I chatted with Lorraine for quite some time. She seemed in good spirits. We helped her adjust the bed so she could sit up more and see outside (she had a window view).

As for her health, Lorraine had IV's and an oxygen tube hooked to her. She's been taking morphine for pain.

At one point I was told that she was going to be moved to the Nursing home (I think that was last Thursday before Russ and I left on our trip). But, I was informed that the Nursing home doesn't have the staff that can handle the IV's and morphine. So, she remains in the hospital. I was also told that the family was given an option for a specific treatment that's supposed to help with the Lukemia. But, I don't know the details in regards to the treatment or whether the family went for the options (there are risks involved that could in all likelyhood cause them to opt out of this treatment).

All-in-all, I thought Lorraine was doing quite well.

After Colette and I spent time with Lorraine, we walked back to Mae's house and ate dinner with Mae and Gloria. We needed to be around long enough to find out if Colette was to take Gloria to the airport. The plan was that Dennis (Lorraine's oldest child) would take Gloria to the air port if nothing got in the way of it. The possible reasons for getting in the way were that Lorraine would need him, and field work.

So, Colette and I gave Mae and Gloria a ride to the hospital (with Gloria's luggage in tow). There, we met Dennis in the parking lot. Dennis was able to take Gloria, so her luggage was removed from Colette's car and placed in Dennis' car. Then Colette and I said our goodbyes to Mae, Gloria and Dennis and we went on our way.