Laurie Solomon Cohen
Silver Spring, Maryland
Silver Spring, Maryland
Thursday, July 11, 2013
I am so sorry that I was unable to attend the memorial service for your wonderful mom, Penelope Swenson, Dr. Swenson. I was part of a cohort of students that she mentored and guided us thru the Masters in Education--mine in Educational Technology. She took a chance with us varied group of Orthodox Jewish (the first cohort) women, from all over the world to create a cohesive wonderful learning environment. She challenged us and taught us so much, and opened my mind up to so many new things in education and technology. During that time, many of us shared life experiences both good and sad (my father passed away during that time), and she was filled with sage advice and caring. Family was always so important to her. After the program, she remained a mentor and advisor in my life. I've enjoyed both the more formal interactions and the informal, thru facebook and her blog. I will cherish the memories. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
I worked as a principal with Penny when she was at Mojave. It is so hard for me to take in the fact she is gone. To me, she was always ‘bigger than life’ so to speak. I had a tremendous admiration for her and so enjoyed seeing her from time to time when she would attend the county CAC meetings. We were bound by our Mojave experiences, but beyond that I did not know her very deeply. What I do know was that she was a wonderful person, a loving mother and wife – so dedicated to her family, she was a deeply moral person and deeply devoted to her beliefs. She was highly professional and a wonderful thinker. Even though I did not see her often, I feel her absence in bewilderment that she is gone so soon. She meant so much to me. Please be comforted in the love she left on this earth and know there are many, like me, that you may not really know, but who knew her and loved her and will be missing her too. I am so sorry for your loss and hope that time and faith will comfort you.
Philomena Hall
Saturday, June 29, 2013
I am sorry for your loss and sad that I am unable to attend her service, but would like to thank you for sharing your mother with many people you will never meet. Since I am not sure if the facebook message made it through, I am also sending these fond memories of your mother to your email address.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Your mother was a great inspiration to many of us who were fortunate enough to have her in classes. Besides the instruction she imparted regarding the Educational Administration, she also offered pearls of wisdom for life, a couple of which that have strengthened my resolve and placed renewed hope in my future.
Pearl #1.
"Don't think of your dissertation as the last thing you will write. (Get it done) and move on to more projects." (She actually said "throw up on it")
This helped remove my paralyzing fear of failure when things were not going perfectly. My mind could let go, step back and look at imperfections, refine them, and even create an entirely new way of looking at a problem. If that didn't work, then I could move on to something more.
Pearl #2.
"Always save back enough money in case you have to go without pay. You may be asked to do something that you feel you cannot do with a clear conscience. You don't want the fear of losing your job causing you to give into something you feel is wrong."
In a day and age when jobs are hard to come by, this can become a real threat to a person's resolve to do what they think is right. Your mother's comment reminded me that all jobs, including education, have the potential for a moment of moral battle. I can thankfully say that I have not caved in and continued to stand up for what I feel is right and in the best interest of my students' education.
Dr. Carla Frost Ed.D. 2008
_________________________________________________________________________________
Your mother was a great inspiration to many of us who were fortunate enough to have her in classes. Besides the instruction she imparted regarding the Educational Administration, she also offered pearls of wisdom for life, a couple of which that have strengthened my resolve and placed renewed hope in my future.
Pearl #1.
"Don't think of your dissertation as the last thing you will write. (Get it done) and move on to more projects." (She actually said "throw up on it")
This helped remove my paralyzing fear of failure when things were not going perfectly. My mind could let go, step back and look at imperfections, refine them, and even create an entirely new way of looking at a problem. If that didn't work, then I could move on to something more.
Pearl #2.
"Always save back enough money in case you have to go without pay. You may be asked to do something that you feel you cannot do with a clear conscience. You don't want the fear of losing your job causing you to give into something you feel is wrong."
In a day and age when jobs are hard to come by, this can become a real threat to a person's resolve to do what they think is right. Your mother's comment reminded me that all jobs, including education, have the potential for a moment of moral battle. I can thankfully say that I have not caved in and continued to stand up for what I feel is right and in the best interest of my students' education.
Dr. Carla Frost Ed.D. 2008
I have couple thoughts I'd like to share about Penny.
First she was very proud of her family. She loved to talk about everyone's accomplishments. She always had positive, constructive thoughts concerning you all.
Next she loved a good bargain! It was always fun to hear about a particularly wonderful item she had just scored. I am a kindred spirit in the shopping realm and enjoyed her tips and tricks.
Finally the story I'd like to share is about spending the wee hours of the morning in the monster van driving around NYC in the middle of a riot! I was so impressed with how expertly she negotiated the crazy streets in that huge van with the NYC Police converging all around us on foot and even horseback. I had never seen so many policemen in one place at the same time and there she was calmly driving us away from the chaos. I don't think much of the film that was shot that night by Imaginarium was actually used in the movie but we shared quite an adventure and had a unique view of New York as well!
She will certainly be missed but I'm certain she will be watching over all those she loves.
First she was very proud of her family. She loved to talk about everyone's accomplishments. She always had positive, constructive thoughts concerning you all.
Next she loved a good bargain! It was always fun to hear about a particularly wonderful item she had just scored. I am a kindred spirit in the shopping realm and enjoyed her tips and tricks.
Finally the story I'd like to share is about spending the wee hours of the morning in the monster van driving around NYC in the middle of a riot! I was so impressed with how expertly she negotiated the crazy streets in that huge van with the NYC Police converging all around us on foot and even horseback. I had never seen so many policemen in one place at the same time and there she was calmly driving us away from the chaos. I don't think much of the film that was shot that night by Imaginarium was actually used in the movie but we shared quite an adventure and had a unique view of New York as well!
She will certainly be missed but I'm certain she will be watching over all those she loves.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
For those of you who had Penelope Swenson as a friend, mentor, or professor, she passed away quietly yesterday.
Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers. She was a friendly, amazing, intelligent woman who helped many of us obtain our masters and doctoral degrees!
Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers. She was a friendly, amazing, intelligent woman who helped many of us obtain our masters and doctoral degrees!
Gretchen Skrotzki
In Bakersfield, as a new teacher and young man in a new city, I found a mentor and friend in Penelope Swenson while at CSUB. I am saddened to say that she passed away too abruptly. Our world has lost a wonderfully optimistic, energetic, and motherly soul, but the heavens have gained one hell of an angel...
Andrew James
I was saddened by the loss of Penny Walters Swenson. We go back to Santa Clara high school and the University of Southern California. Penny's intellectual range was enormous. Her hair was red. She was the editor of the Hi Times, the high school newspaper. I remember one visit to your family home when I met her father the California Highway Patrol officer. He was drinking iced tea. During one semester in high school penny received all A's. Her scholarship at USC was in journalism. We were in a small values seminar in our senior year at USC with a stellar professor, J Westley Robb. After USC we lost each other for decades. However in the last five years we have reconnected on Facebook and two visits in Tehachapi. she was enormously proud of her children and grandchildren. We discovered I have friends on Lummi Island where her mother lives. I've never met Walter, her husband, or any of her children and I stay saddened by your loss. By the way, did I mention Penny's hair was red.
Stan Hajduk
Penny, my heart aches for your family and friends. One of my fondest memories is setting down to dinner here in Texas with Matthew and Christopher.
You encouraged Chris and gave him guidance to finish his PhD. You were that inspiration that lit a fire in him. Your stories were fun to listen to as well; very witty and fun loving. What more could we ask for? We are all truly blessed to have had as part of our lives. Till we meet again.
Love from Texas
The Olsen Family
You encouraged Chris and gave him guidance to finish his PhD. You were that inspiration that lit a fire in him. Your stories were fun to listen to as well; very witty and fun loving. What more could we ask for? We are all truly blessed to have had as part of our lives. Till we meet again.
Love from Texas
The Olsen Family
I miss you Penny. Thank you for encouraging me in my education all the way through. It was comforting coming from you because you have already walked a similar path to PhD and knew what I was going through. Keep on teaching and inspiring. You are marvelous and I know you are already doing great things on the other side. Till we meet again.
Christopher Olsen
Kathryn,
I knew your mom Penny through CSU Bakersfield. I met her when I came to CSUB to work with them on accreditation in 2007-8. I spent much time working with and learning from her. We worked well together and shared a love of teaching. What was remarkable is at that time I was still recovering from brain surgery, and was somewhat unsure of my physical abilities, yet Penny showed such confidence in me. A craniotomy is a challenging experience, even when the tumor is benign, as mine was. She knew that and demonstrated trust. Never did we imagine this was in her future also. We were in touch over the years, meeting at conferences and exchanging ideas via Facebook. More recently, I shared my experiences immediately post-surgery with her and tried to give support, however I might.
I am so saddened by her passing. I need not dwell on what a fine person she was - you know this and are a testament to that, as are all her children.
I will think of her fondly always.
Margaret Olebe
In January many years ago, Penelope saw me fall in the parking lot of the District Office. She was on the ground beside me immediately calling for a blanket and telling others to call an ambulance. My back was broken in eight places, my femur was shattered and protruding bone had severed an artery. I was losing a lot of blood. Penny was sitting on the ground holding my head in her lap and the sun was shining through her red hair. She looked like an angel. I spent several years in bed and now am confined to a wheelchair, but will be thankful the rest of my life that Penny was there when I needed her help. We kept in touch even after she left the District and I saw her a few months ago at the vets' office in Tehachapi looking as beautiful as ever. My gratitude to that wonderful woman and my condolences to her family. She was brilliant, caring, and a woman of great character, integrity, and, most of all, she was a woman of faith. Knowing her has enriched my life, the life she saved so many years ago.
Polly Solomon
Cristina: This picture was taken at the Omni Hotel in Washington, DC, where Penny Lynn again presented at the CREATE National Evaluation Institute in October 2012. She is sitting with my husband, Chuck Geiger (Charles R. Geiger, Col., USMC Retired), who is the treasurer of CREATE.
Note how well she looked!
This was taken at the CREATE National Evaluation Institute, at which Penny presented, at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA, in October 2010.
Carole Lynn Beat Geiger
Note how well she looked!
This was taken at the CREATE National Evaluation Institute, at which Penny presented, at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA, in October 2010.
Carole Lynn Beat Geiger
Cristina, two years ago to the day of Penny's memorial service, she and Terry and Tula were leaving Fincastle after a visit with Chuck and me.
Memory: Tula went 'walk-about' while Terry and I were responsible for her morning constitutional. You should have seen Terry and me chasing her through a recycling area, school bus shop, and fields...until it occurred to her that she had NO idea where she was and, thus, sat down and waited for us to catch up to her, with obvious relief on all sides. Tula was a perfect lady. Our Rusty (now greeting Penny in Heaven) was NOT a perfect gentleman! Sigh.
Carole Lynn Beat Geiger
Memory: Tula went 'walk-about' while Terry and I were responsible for her morning constitutional. You should have seen Terry and me chasing her through a recycling area, school bus shop, and fields...until it occurred to her that she had NO idea where she was and, thus, sat down and waited for us to catch up to her, with obvious relief on all sides. Tula was a perfect lady. Our Rusty (now greeting Penny in Heaven) was NOT a perfect gentleman! Sigh.
Carole Lynn Beat Geiger
Cristina,
I was very sorry to read yesterday that Penny passed away.
In his letter to the campus community, CSUB President Mitchell asked to send pictures of Penny to you. I had the pleasure to attend two workshops at the Googleplex with Penny. She loved interacting with the "Googlers" and did a wonderful job with the small grant we received from them. Attached is a picture from last year's workshop. Others are myself (right), Randy Schultz, and one of Penny's students.
Best regards,
Dirk
***********************************************************
Dr. Dirk Baron
I was very sorry to read yesterday that Penny passed away.
In his letter to the campus community, CSUB President Mitchell asked to send pictures of Penny to you. I had the pleasure to attend two workshops at the Googleplex with Penny. She loved interacting with the "Googlers" and did a wonderful job with the small grant we received from them. Attached is a picture from last year's workshop. Others are myself (right), Randy Schultz, and one of Penny's students.
Best regards,
Dirk
***********************************************************
Dr. Dirk Baron
It was with the deepest sadness that I read of Dr. Swenson's passing....
We met rather serendipitously, through her daughter, Maren, when we both were teaching for the Muroc Unified School District.
I was then an over achieving Science teacher when Maren mentioned that her mother had written a unique science textbook. "Would you be interested in adding this to your library?", I was asked.
"Sure! Anything to supplement my classroom materials!"
Of course the book was insightful. There was never a hint of "talking down" to the reader . I remember how the materials challenged the student (and teacher!), and never underestimated their abilities or assumed less than a curious mind.
Later, I had come to discover that much the same could be said about the author.....
It seemed that anyone involved in education knew of, respected, and admired Penny Swenson. Her loss will not only be heartbreaking to her family, but to all those who knew her, and knew of her.
Her contributions and dedication will live on in all of us.
With our deepest sympathy,
Jay Blank and Family
We met rather serendipitously, through her daughter, Maren, when we both were teaching for the Muroc Unified School District.
I was then an over achieving Science teacher when Maren mentioned that her mother had written a unique science textbook. "Would you be interested in adding this to your library?", I was asked.
"Sure! Anything to supplement my classroom materials!"
Of course the book was insightful. There was never a hint of "talking down" to the reader . I remember how the materials challenged the student (and teacher!), and never underestimated their abilities or assumed less than a curious mind.
Later, I had come to discover that much the same could be said about the author.....
It seemed that anyone involved in education knew of, respected, and admired Penny Swenson. Her loss will not only be heartbreaking to her family, but to all those who knew her, and knew of her.
Her contributions and dedication will live on in all of us.
With our deepest sympathy,
Jay Blank and Family
Hi Cristina,
I am very sorry for your loss. I have worked with Penny over the past five years at CSU Bakersfield. Over the past three years she and I worked on two grants together, the Google Grant and Edvention Grant. We had a core group of students that she mentored and supported through their credential program. She will be missed not only by me, but by many, many students. I have attached three pictures of Penny. She was my mentor, friend, and colleague. I will miss dearly. She meant so much to so many. Thank you for keeping the blog. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Sarah Brooks-Arriola
\
I am very sorry for your loss. I have worked with Penny over the past five years at CSU Bakersfield. Over the past three years she and I worked on two grants together, the Google Grant and Edvention Grant. We had a core group of students that she mentored and supported through their credential program. She will be missed not only by me, but by many, many students. I have attached three pictures of Penny. She was my mentor, friend, and colleague. I will miss dearly. She meant so much to so many. Thank you for keeping the blog. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Sarah Brooks-Arriola
\
Cristina, please know how very, very deeply we share your loss of Penny. She will always be 'my Penny Lynn,' my best friend and roomie from USC. We both went back to get those Ph.D.'s at about the same time in our lives, both at the insistence of our families, and we shared a bond that could not be frayed or broken no matter how many times the Marine Corps moved my husband Chuck and me nor how far away.
When I found out last night that she had lost her fight with cancer, I spent half the night trying to find where I have archived the Southern Cal albums - too many moves, too much archived! I did find this one photo from our USC senior year days together. It was taken in February 1964 at the apartment complex just of the campus in LA where Penny Lynn, Norvene Foster (now Vest), and I lived in a roomy one-bedroom second-floor apartment (designed by a woman architect specifically with the needs of women student renters in mind: TWO bathrooms, lots of closet space, a relatively HUGE bedroom that suited the three of us to a 't,' an eat-in kitchen, and a roomy, comfy living room with studio sofa-style beds. Oh, the stories I could tell!
In this picture, Penny Lynn is barbecuing on the balcony outside our corner apartment...no longer remember what, but even then she was a fantastic cook!
I do have a few more recent photos I will send - and I will continue to search for a key photo album. Even if I don't find that album in time for you to consider for use on Thursday, I'll send the photos so that the family can have more pictures of our precious Penny when she and I were young together.
I FB-talked with Maren last night. Please share with all the family our great sorrow at your loss. Chuck and I wish that we could be there for Thursday's memorial service, but that not being possible, we WILL join you in absentia during the service in prayers for her - and Penny Lynn accepted our Episcopal prayers with a huge grin!
With love and prayers,
Carole Lynn Beat Geiger
When I found out last night that she had lost her fight with cancer, I spent half the night trying to find where I have archived the Southern Cal albums - too many moves, too much archived! I did find this one photo from our USC senior year days together. It was taken in February 1964 at the apartment complex just of the campus in LA where Penny Lynn, Norvene Foster (now Vest), and I lived in a roomy one-bedroom second-floor apartment (designed by a woman architect specifically with the needs of women student renters in mind: TWO bathrooms, lots of closet space, a relatively HUGE bedroom that suited the three of us to a 't,' an eat-in kitchen, and a roomy, comfy living room with studio sofa-style beds. Oh, the stories I could tell!
In this picture, Penny Lynn is barbecuing on the balcony outside our corner apartment...no longer remember what, but even then she was a fantastic cook!
I do have a few more recent photos I will send - and I will continue to search for a key photo album. Even if I don't find that album in time for you to consider for use on Thursday, I'll send the photos so that the family can have more pictures of our precious Penny when she and I were young together.
I FB-talked with Maren last night. Please share with all the family our great sorrow at your loss. Chuck and I wish that we could be there for Thursday's memorial service, but that not being possible, we WILL join you in absentia during the service in prayers for her - and Penny Lynn accepted our Episcopal prayers with a huge grin!
With love and prayers,
Carole Lynn Beat Geiger
Hello,
I would like to extend my condolences to the Swenson family for their loss. I worked with Dr. Swenson as her assistant during her time as chair of the AES department.
The attached picture was taken at an event on campus and both Dr. Swenson and I were taking pictures at this event. She took a picture of me taking a picture of her.
Again I am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
Pame Jones
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Dearest Cristina,
I received notice yesterday from Dr. Knutzen regarding your mom's passing. Please know that I truly wish I could come to the memorial service, but unfortunately I am unable to attend. I send my deepest regards to you and your entire family.
I received notice yesterday from Dr. Knutzen regarding your mom's passing. Please know that I truly wish I could come to the memorial service, but unfortunately I am unable to attend. I send my deepest regards to you and your entire family.
I wish Penny could have spent many more days with us, but seeing as she was suffering, I know that she is in a much better place now. I pray that Thursday will go smoothly. Please know that I will miss my CSUB mentor greatly.
Dr. Penny Swenson was a fantastic woman, colleague, and friend.
My condolences,
Marci Diller
Dr. Penny Swenson was a fantastic woman, colleague, and friend.
My condolences,
Marci Diller
As a relatively new member of the Swenson family, I'm a little overwhelmed by your stories and experiences with Penny that you've sent with the photos. Thank you so, so much. It's absolutely wonderful to see the influence that Penny's had in your lives.
We've set aside 15-20 minutes in the funeral program for friends and colleagues to speak about Penny, but I'm starting to think that that won't be even close to enough time. :)
I think there's a world of good derived from being able to share our experiences and photos with each other, so with your cooperation and permission, I will post your anecdotes and photos here. I'll also post some of our favorite photos that we've found.
I've posted the memorial information in a permanent location at the top of the page so it doesn't get lost.
Please continue sending me your anecdotes (with or without photos), and we can celebrate Penny's life together. c.b.swenson (at) gmail.com.
Best,
Cristina
We've set aside 15-20 minutes in the funeral program for friends and colleagues to speak about Penny, but I'm starting to think that that won't be even close to enough time. :)
I think there's a world of good derived from being able to share our experiences and photos with each other, so with your cooperation and permission, I will post your anecdotes and photos here. I'll also post some of our favorite photos that we've found.
I've posted the memorial information in a permanent location at the top of the page so it doesn't get lost.
Please continue sending me your anecdotes (with or without photos), and we can celebrate Penny's life together. c.b.swenson (at) gmail.com.
Best,
Cristina
Monday, June 24, 2013
Memorial Time: Confirmed.
4:00 PM, for sure. This Thursday. Address is below. Thank you for your love and support.
Cristina
Call for photos of Penny
Hi, everyone.
If you have some favorite photos of Penny, we would love to have access to them! We're collecting photos. Please e-mail them to me at c.b.swenson (at) gmail.com.
Thanks!
Cristina
If you have some favorite photos of Penny, we would love to have access to them! We're collecting photos. Please e-mail them to me at c.b.swenson (at) gmail.com.
Thanks!
Cristina
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Memorial Details for Penny -- Thursday, June 27, 2013
We have most of the details for Penny's memorial now.
Date: Thursday, June 27, 2013
Time: 4:00 PM (confirmed.)
Location: 600 Anita Dr. Tehachapi, CA 93561
Matt will be giving the eulogy, Karinne, Elizabeth and I will be playing "Master, the Tempest is Raging," and there will also be a brief period for attendees to speak, if they so desire.
We also welcome comments and good memories of Penny here on this blog.
Please feel free to share this information with anyone you think would like to know.
Thanks again for your love and support.
Cristina
Saturday, June 22, 2013
We are very sad to announce that Penelope Lynn Walters Swenson passed away in Mercy Hospital of Bakersfield at 1:20 am on the 22nd of June.
We can't express how much we have appreciated your love and support. It has been incredibly touching to see how many lives she has strengthened and changed. You, as her family, friends, neighbors and colleagues meant so, so much to her.
So much of what we were able to do for her was a result of the help you gave to us. So many of you sent us on the right paths and connected us to the right people to be able to give her the best care we could. You cheered and strengthened her (and us!) just when it was needed. We knew we were not alone in our struggles and grief, and we can't thank you enough for that.
We will definitely keep you posted on when and where the service will be, since I know that many of you are interested in attending.
If you're not from the local LDS ward, I'm the best person to contact. You can reach me via e-mail: c.b.swenson@gmail.com, or on Facebook: Cristina Bean Swenson.
If you ARE from the local ward, Karinne Young is the best person to contact.
Thanks again for all your love and support. It has helped us more than you know.
With much love and gratitude,
Cristina
We can't express how much we have appreciated your love and support. It has been incredibly touching to see how many lives she has strengthened and changed. You, as her family, friends, neighbors and colleagues meant so, so much to her.
So much of what we were able to do for her was a result of the help you gave to us. So many of you sent us on the right paths and connected us to the right people to be able to give her the best care we could. You cheered and strengthened her (and us!) just when it was needed. We knew we were not alone in our struggles and grief, and we can't thank you enough for that.
We will definitely keep you posted on when and where the service will be, since I know that many of you are interested in attending.
If you're not from the local LDS ward, I'm the best person to contact. You can reach me via e-mail: c.b.swenson@gmail.com, or on Facebook: Cristina Bean Swenson.
If you ARE from the local ward, Karinne Young is the best person to contact.
Thanks again for all your love and support. It has helped us more than you know.
With much love and gratitude,
Cristina
Monday, June 17, 2013
Monday, June 17, 2013
Penny's
hacking cough became pneumonia over the weekend and she was transferred to ICU
on Sunday afternoon (still at Mercy Truxtun.) Her breathing is better today,
although still very labored. She was stable enough today that she was going to be
moved back to a regular room. That hasn't happened yet, though, because the hospital is waiting
for a private room to open up. Penny had some times of wakefulness today, but was asleep
during the time that I was there. She is having higher levels of head pain than
she has had previously, so they are giving her pain meds for that, which make her
sleepy of course. Eliza and Kathryn are here now (with Kathryn's son Freddie.) Kirsten and Mike were at the hospital visiting tonight too. Matt and Cristina have headed back to Utah for a while. Thank you, Matt and Cristina, for everything you did while you were here!
Right now Penny is in ICU unit #1, bed 4, but she will probably
be moved tomorrow, so check in with the front desk at Mercy if you go to visit her.
Thanks for your prayers,
Karinne
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Saturday, June 15, 2013
The gastroenterologist has cleared Penny for physical therapy, so the goal is now to get her strong enough to be transferred to HealthSouth.
To start this process, as many of Penny's "lines" are being removed as possible to help her feel safer in her environment: the lines to her heart and lungs, and the oxygen and oxygen monitor. They're also tweaking her pain meds so that she is able to be more awake and able to participate in physical therapy, but still have pain management.
Matt and I are headed back to Utah today, and Elizabeth and Kathryn (and Kathryn's son Freddie) are flying in this afternoon.
It's been a pleasure for me to meet and get to know so many of Penny's friends and colleagues. I wish it were under better circumstances, of course, but it has still been a pleasure. You are wonderful people. Thank you so much for your love, support, flowers, cards and visits. I know Penny enjoys seeing you and hearing from you, and she knows she is loved. It's been good for us to watch her with you, as well, because it's actually been able to help us have a measure for Penny's lucidity. There are some concepts she hasn't been able to grasp for quite a while, but she always recognizes not only you, but your children and grandchildren.
Thank you all, again, for everything.
Cristina
To start this process, as many of Penny's "lines" are being removed as possible to help her feel safer in her environment: the lines to her heart and lungs, and the oxygen and oxygen monitor. They're also tweaking her pain meds so that she is able to be more awake and able to participate in physical therapy, but still have pain management.
Matt and I are headed back to Utah today, and Elizabeth and Kathryn (and Kathryn's son Freddie) are flying in this afternoon.
It's been a pleasure for me to meet and get to know so many of Penny's friends and colleagues. I wish it were under better circumstances, of course, but it has still been a pleasure. You are wonderful people. Thank you so much for your love, support, flowers, cards and visits. I know Penny enjoys seeing you and hearing from you, and she knows she is loved. It's been good for us to watch her with you, as well, because it's actually been able to help us have a measure for Penny's lucidity. There are some concepts she hasn't been able to grasp for quite a while, but she always recognizes not only you, but your children and grandchildren.
Thank you all, again, for everything.
Cristina
Friday, June 14, 2013
Friday, June 14
I can't believe it's Friday again!
Time for good news/bad news.
Good news: HealthSouth has accepted Penny and has everything ready to admit her.
Bad news: She wasn't able to be transferred yesterday, because she'd had a bit more gastrointestinal internal bleeding.
The gastroenterologist told us yesterday evening that her most recent labs looked better than her earlier labs, and all her vital signs were stable. He also told us that he wanted to do a bacterial culture and see how that comes back, so (I'm assuming) that will be done this morning. Since a colonoscopy carries some risk for Penny under the circumstances, he really doesn't want to do one unless he feels like he has to.
Once he clears her for transfer, she'll be transferred to HealthSouth.
In the meantime, the neurologist at Mercy is trying to get in touch with Dr. Patil at Cedars-Sinai to find out (from him) what happened. They're very concerned that without radiation treatment, rehab/physical therapy won't be particularly effective. Never thought I'd run across this particular "chicken and the egg" situation, but life is full of surprises.
Thank you all for your support. Penny may not be able to actually eat cookies and other goodies at the moment, but I know that even just having them on her table brings her comfort.
Cristina
Time for good news/bad news.
Good news: HealthSouth has accepted Penny and has everything ready to admit her.
Bad news: She wasn't able to be transferred yesterday, because she'd had a bit more gastrointestinal internal bleeding.
The gastroenterologist told us yesterday evening that her most recent labs looked better than her earlier labs, and all her vital signs were stable. He also told us that he wanted to do a bacterial culture and see how that comes back, so (I'm assuming) that will be done this morning. Since a colonoscopy carries some risk for Penny under the circumstances, he really doesn't want to do one unless he feels like he has to.
Once he clears her for transfer, she'll be transferred to HealthSouth.
In the meantime, the neurologist at Mercy is trying to get in touch with Dr. Patil at Cedars-Sinai to find out (from him) what happened. They're very concerned that without radiation treatment, rehab/physical therapy won't be particularly effective. Never thought I'd run across this particular "chicken and the egg" situation, but life is full of surprises.
Thank you all for your support. Penny may not be able to actually eat cookies and other goodies at the moment, but I know that even just having them on her table brings her comfort.
Cristina
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
We drove all the way to Cedars-Sinai to discover that they won't take her because she can't/won't walk. She doesn't qualify for the study for the same reason.
They couldn't have told us that... on the phone... last week?
Now we're trying to see if she will re-qualify for HealthSouth rehab hospital. Her physical therapist thinks that she has the muscular strength, but for some reason we don't know, she is deathly afraid of even sitting up in bed, let alone standing.
As I'm sure you can imagine, we're frustrated, disappointed and exhausted.
Thanks for your love and support.
Cristina
They couldn't have told us that... on the phone... last week?
Now we're trying to see if she will re-qualify for HealthSouth rehab hospital. Her physical therapist thinks that she has the muscular strength, but for some reason we don't know, she is deathly afraid of even sitting up in bed, let alone standing.
As I'm sure you can imagine, we're frustrated, disappointed and exhausted.
Thanks for your love and support.
Cristina
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Things are finally happening!
Tomorrow, we have a family consult scheduled at Cedars-Sinai at 11:15. My mom (who's an RN and has worked in many different departments) says that if she's admitted, the actual meeting with the doctor will be short, and the rest of the time will be spent signing paperwork. There will be 50-100 pages to sign, apparently. If she's admitted, they'll start the transfer. It's my understanding that Cedars-Sinai will handle everything about the transfer.
We're hoping that she qualifies to be part of a study that's in its second stage right now. That's primarily what the consult's about.
We're grateful to the administrators at Mercy who have facilitated this. They have already created a new policy based on our experiences: Any patient who is transferred to Mercy from another hospital will automatically have their tests requested from that hospital. That's a pretty great thing, and we hope it will help other families in future.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and e-mails. We appreciate your support so much. Please continue sending those prayers and thoughts our way so that Penny will be admitted.
Thank you!!
Cristina
Tomorrow, we have a family consult scheduled at Cedars-Sinai at 11:15. My mom (who's an RN and has worked in many different departments) says that if she's admitted, the actual meeting with the doctor will be short, and the rest of the time will be spent signing paperwork. There will be 50-100 pages to sign, apparently. If she's admitted, they'll start the transfer. It's my understanding that Cedars-Sinai will handle everything about the transfer.
We're hoping that she qualifies to be part of a study that's in its second stage right now. That's primarily what the consult's about.
We're grateful to the administrators at Mercy who have facilitated this. They have already created a new policy based on our experiences: Any patient who is transferred to Mercy from another hospital will automatically have their tests requested from that hospital. That's a pretty great thing, and we hope it will help other families in future.
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and e-mails. We appreciate your support so much. Please continue sending those prayers and thoughts our way so that Penny will be admitted.
Thank you!!
Cristina
Monday, June 10, 2013
Monday update -- June 10, 2013
Today Matt and I got down to Mercy only to find out that "all of the records" meant "all the records except for the CT scan from Memorial." I think it's safe to say that we were.....less than thrilled to find out about this. (Frustrated, angry, furious...) We were informed that it was found and shipped off today.
Just like that, we lose *another* day.
I've been corresponding with the social media person for Mercy/Memorial, and she's been really great. She's connected us with the director of nursing. and the case manager over the case managers. Matt's had some good conversations with these women, and it sounds like there are some things happening behind the scenes. Both of the women are going to look into things and get back to us.
We are really, really hoping the transfer will happen tomorrow.
Penny is very, very tired, but seems to be hanging in there.
Thanks for all your prayers, thoughts, help and visits.
Cristina
Just like that, we lose *another* day.
I've been corresponding with the social media person for Mercy/Memorial, and she's been really great. She's connected us with the director of nursing. and the case manager over the case managers. Matt's had some good conversations with these women, and it sounds like there are some things happening behind the scenes. Both of the women are going to look into things and get back to us.
We are really, really hoping the transfer will happen tomorrow.
Penny is very, very tired, but seems to be hanging in there.
Thanks for all your prayers, thoughts, help and visits.
Cristina
Friday, June 7, 2013
Friday... again.
It's taken me a while to post this just because I'm so frustrated and upset about it.
STILL at Mercy. The communication between Cedars-Sinai and Mercy has been abysmal. It's a big, big mess. It turns out that the MRIs sent by Mercy to Cedars had actually been OF HER ABDOMEN, NOT HER BRAIN. Understandably, Dr. Patel (the physician/neurosurgeon at Cedars) wants to see a recent MRI, which they were in the process of doing when we left.
The case worker requested ALL the scans from Memorial, they'll combine them with the ones they've done at Mercy, including the MRI from tonight, and then Matt and I will physically drive them down to Cedars tomorrow morning. We have the address and everything.
Dr. Patel needs to look at her scans and say that he wants to admit her, and then the transfer can happen! Matt and Eliza were on a conference call with his assistant person/RN administrator Jason Villalobos today. There is a specific trial they are doing with people who have tumor recurrences after having them surgically removed, and Penny may be a great candidate for it, which means they're even more interested in her. Jason has promised to do everything he can to clear things up on the Cedars side.
I spoke with Dr. Alshaer (Penny's physician at Mercy) today on the phone. He is going to call Dr. Young's (Penny's neurologist at Mercy, whose idea Cedars was, and who has connections there) cell phone tomorrow morning to tell him the current situation, and then has promised to call me afterward. He says that sometimes it takes a week to get people into Cedars because they don't have any open beds. I suspect he said that a-to try to mollify me, and b- because it's true. (My mom can vouch that this does happen, and has happened at her hospital.) He has also promised to do everything he can to make this go through. (I didn't know at the time that the wrong MRIs had been sent, or I would have told him. I plan to tell him tomorrow when he calls.) Dr. Alshaer is also (understandably) skeptical that the transfer will happen before Monday morning, since it's afterhours.
Here's the thing: Dr. Patel isn't scheduled to be in again until Monday morning. So, please, if you know anyone who works with Cedars-Sinai, please, please, please call them. Pray, send good thoughts, anything. Post things on Facebook, Twitter, Google +. Every little bit helps. Pray that Matt and I can get the records to the right place, and that SOMEONE who can sign off on admitting Penny (preferably Dr. Patel, but I'll take anyone) will be in this weekend to look at her records and scans, and will sign off, so we can get her transferred ASAP.
Love you all. Thanks for your love and support.
(If you need to get in touch with either me or Matt, you can reach us at our respective e-mails. c.b.swenson(at)gmail for me, franchisematt(at)gmail for him.)
Cristina
STILL at Mercy. The communication between Cedars-Sinai and Mercy has been abysmal. It's a big, big mess. It turns out that the MRIs sent by Mercy to Cedars had actually been OF HER ABDOMEN, NOT HER BRAIN. Understandably, Dr. Patel (the physician/neurosurgeon at Cedars) wants to see a recent MRI, which they were in the process of doing when we left.
The case worker requested ALL the scans from Memorial, they'll combine them with the ones they've done at Mercy, including the MRI from tonight, and then Matt and I will physically drive them down to Cedars tomorrow morning. We have the address and everything.
Dr. Patel needs to look at her scans and say that he wants to admit her, and then the transfer can happen! Matt and Eliza were on a conference call with his assistant person/RN administrator Jason Villalobos today. There is a specific trial they are doing with people who have tumor recurrences after having them surgically removed, and Penny may be a great candidate for it, which means they're even more interested in her. Jason has promised to do everything he can to clear things up on the Cedars side.
I spoke with Dr. Alshaer (Penny's physician at Mercy) today on the phone. He is going to call Dr. Young's (Penny's neurologist at Mercy, whose idea Cedars was, and who has connections there) cell phone tomorrow morning to tell him the current situation, and then has promised to call me afterward. He says that sometimes it takes a week to get people into Cedars because they don't have any open beds. I suspect he said that a-to try to mollify me, and b- because it's true. (My mom can vouch that this does happen, and has happened at her hospital.) He has also promised to do everything he can to make this go through. (I didn't know at the time that the wrong MRIs had been sent, or I would have told him. I plan to tell him tomorrow when he calls.) Dr. Alshaer is also (understandably) skeptical that the transfer will happen before Monday morning, since it's afterhours.
Here's the thing: Dr. Patel isn't scheduled to be in again until Monday morning. So, please, if you know anyone who works with Cedars-Sinai, please, please, please call them. Pray, send good thoughts, anything. Post things on Facebook, Twitter, Google +. Every little bit helps. Pray that Matt and I can get the records to the right place, and that SOMEONE who can sign off on admitting Penny (preferably Dr. Patel, but I'll take anyone) will be in this weekend to look at her records and scans, and will sign off, so we can get her transferred ASAP.
Love you all. Thanks for your love and support.
(If you need to get in touch with either me or Matt, you can reach us at our respective e-mails. c.b.swenson(at)gmail for me, franchisematt(at)gmail for him.)
Cristina
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Thursday, June 6th, 2013
The marathon continues.
We're still at Mercy Hospital. I found out from Matt about 20 mins ago that Penny did, in fact, qualify for rehab at HealthSouth. When we were looking at that option earlier this week, we were told that Penny wouldn't be able to receive rehab and radiation simultaneously. If we decide to go with HealthSouth, Matt says "we'll figure it out." (I'm pretty sure that's code for "ask Elizabeth to talk them into it," but I can't be certain. :) )
To boil it down, radiation here at Mercy is not going to happen.
I asked Matt about Cedars-Sinai, and he said that he'll be meeting with the case worker in about 30 minutes (which is about 5 minutes from this posting), and we'll go from there.
Penny sleeps a lot and isn't particularly lucid when she's awake. Thank you, all, for your visits, cards, cookies and flowers. They're so appreciated -- and not just by Penny.
Cristina
We're still at Mercy Hospital. I found out from Matt about 20 mins ago that Penny did, in fact, qualify for rehab at HealthSouth. When we were looking at that option earlier this week, we were told that Penny wouldn't be able to receive rehab and radiation simultaneously. If we decide to go with HealthSouth, Matt says "we'll figure it out." (I'm pretty sure that's code for "ask Elizabeth to talk them into it," but I can't be certain. :) )
To boil it down, radiation here at Mercy is not going to happen.
I asked Matt about Cedars-Sinai, and he said that he'll be meeting with the case worker in about 30 minutes (which is about 5 minutes from this posting), and we'll go from there.
Penny sleeps a lot and isn't particularly lucid when she's awake. Thank you, all, for your visits, cards, cookies and flowers. They're so appreciated -- and not just by Penny.
Cristina
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Update, Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Penny is still at Mercy Hospital.
Today has been frustrating and infuriating. Things are moving so very, very slowly.
We have no idea when she'll be transferred, but we'll keep you posted.
Today has been frustrating and infuriating. Things are moving so very, very slowly.
We have no idea when she'll be transferred, but we'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
We are still at Mercy Hospital.
Matt and Terry got in this morning and were told that the neuro-oncologist at Cedars wanted to do a "final check" to see if there's anything they can do for Penny that hasn't already been done here. As I'm sure you can imagine, Matt is quite frustrated and angry. When I got here about 30 minutes ago with food, Matt wolfed his food down in about five minutes, sat for maybe ten (if that), and rushed back off to go find the case worker.
Update: It's Cedars that's causing problems, not Mercy. They actually said the word "outpatient." Matt is definitely not happy. In the great tradition of The Incredibles,
"I'm not happy, Bob. Not. Happy."
Matt and Terry got in this morning and were told that the neuro-oncologist at Cedars wanted to do a "final check" to see if there's anything they can do for Penny that hasn't already been done here. As I'm sure you can imagine, Matt is quite frustrated and angry. When I got here about 30 minutes ago with food, Matt wolfed his food down in about five minutes, sat for maybe ten (if that), and rushed back off to go find the case worker.
Update: It's Cedars that's causing problems, not Mercy. They actually said the word "outpatient." Matt is definitely not happy. In the great tradition of The Incredibles,
"I'm not happy, Bob. Not. Happy."
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Tuesday, June 4, updated
Hi again. :)
I don't know the results of the CT scan at the moment, but I do know that Penny will be transferred to Cedars-Sinai in the morning. The case worker who's handling the transfer will be in at 7am, so Matt's planning on coming down as close to 7 as he can.
I don't know the results of the CT scan at the moment, but I do know that Penny will be transferred to Cedars-Sinai in the morning. The case worker who's handling the transfer will be in at 7am, so Matt's planning on coming down as close to 7 as he can.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
My apologies for not posting yesterday or much of today. There wasn't really a lot to tell until now.
Penny (once again) didn't qualify for HealthSouth, but on the other end of the spectrum. This time, she's too weak. The other complication with HealthSouth was that due to Medicare rules, they couldn't be treating her and doing radiation concurrently, unless we wanted to pay for each out of pocket. Ummmm....probably not. Yesterday was very frustrating, involving lots and lots of phone calls, with not a lot happening.
Eliza made a lot of phone calls (thank you!) and as a result of her work and Matt's work today, it looks like Penny is going to be transferred to Cedars-Sinai. They have an expert there on GBM. The feeling at this point is that maybe they can do something for her, and maybe they can't, but they will come away from it knowing more about GBM, and hopefully more able to help others. We're still waiting on the timetable for the transport, but it may be as soon as tonight or sometime tomorrow.
Earlier today, Penny was experiencing abdominal pain again, so she got a CT scan to see how the hematoma's healing. For whatever reason, Mercy's been moving pretty slowly today, so we still don't know what those results are.
Thank you for your visits, flowers and cards. Despite her lack of lucidity, we know she appreciates them. We all appreciate your support.
Cristina
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Sunday, June 2, 2013-- to Mercy Hospital we go!
Penny has been moved to Mercy Hospital on Truxton, room 214. The transfer went well.
We found out yesterday that the front tumor that had been surgically removed is growing back aggressively. The tumor at the back of her brain has also grown, and is bigger than the one in the front.
Mercy Hospital is the best place for Penny to be, because a) they have a neurologist on staff, and b) radiation treatment is available. After considering the options, Penny and Terry would still like to continue radiation treatment, and this will allow them to do so without the added strain of traveling down from Tehachapi every day.
Thank you for your visits and your support. They're appreciated so much. Penny and Terry love seeing you.
We found out yesterday that the front tumor that had been surgically removed is growing back aggressively. The tumor at the back of her brain has also grown, and is bigger than the one in the front.
Mercy Hospital is the best place for Penny to be, because a) they have a neurologist on staff, and b) radiation treatment is available. After considering the options, Penny and Terry would still like to continue radiation treatment, and this will allow them to do so without the added strain of traveling down from Tehachapi every day.
Thank you for your visits and your support. They're appreciated so much. Penny and Terry love seeing you.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Saturday, June 1st. 2013
Welcome to the month of June! (Where has the time gone?)
We've been moved again, to room 540. The hematoma is continuing to heal on its own. As far as the doctors know, it was similar to being struck by lightning, or having an aneurysm. It just...happened, and as far as the doctors can tell, isn't related to radiation, chemo, or any of the other circumstances. Her body is weakened because of all the cancer stuff, but the hematoma happened by itself.
We don't know what the discharge plan is, yet, but we've asked the nurse to come in and talk with us about it.
Penny's not the most lucid today that she's been, but she's definitely been worse. Please be aware of that if you come to visit.
Thanks again for your love and support. We really appreciate it.
Cristina
We've been moved again, to room 540. The hematoma is continuing to heal on its own. As far as the doctors know, it was similar to being struck by lightning, or having an aneurysm. It just...happened, and as far as the doctors can tell, isn't related to radiation, chemo, or any of the other circumstances. Her body is weakened because of all the cancer stuff, but the hematoma happened by itself.
We don't know what the discharge plan is, yet, but we've asked the nurse to come in and talk with us about it.
Penny's not the most lucid today that she's been, but she's definitely been worse. Please be aware of that if you come to visit.
Thanks again for your love and support. We really appreciate it.
Cristina
Friday, May 31, 2013
Friday, May 31, 2013
Penny has been moved to room 444 at Bakersfield Memorial. No more ICU...again.
Cristina
Cristina
Thursday, May 30, 2013
May 30th, 2013 11:00pm
My apologies -- I just realized I haven't updated the blog.
Penny is doing well. The hematoma has stabilized, without any surgery. She's being kept in ICU tonight for observation, and then will be moved to a different floor in the hospital if she does well. There's a possibility that she will be moved to Mercy Hospital so that she can continue radiation treatment while she's recovering from the hematoma, but we don't have a timeline for that. Chemotherapy may be delayed for a larger amount of time.
Thanks for all your prayers, thoughts and support. Much love.
Cristina
Penny is doing well. The hematoma has stabilized, without any surgery. She's being kept in ICU tonight for observation, and then will be moved to a different floor in the hospital if she does well. There's a possibility that she will be moved to Mercy Hospital so that she can continue radiation treatment while she's recovering from the hematoma, but we don't have a timeline for that. Chemotherapy may be delayed for a larger amount of time.
Thanks for all your prayers, thoughts and support. Much love.
Cristina
Thursday, May 30, 2013, 1:20 pm
Change of plans.
Penny's blood pressure dropped very low last night after I posted. It was so low that the nurse thought her machine was broken. She was moved into a bigger ER room with a bigger team.
She had a center line put in (no easy task) to stabilize her until they could find the bleeding and try to stop it. As I'm sure you can imagine, it was a very long night for all of us. The line finally went in (to bone marrow, as her veins were too constricted), and they located the source of the bleeding: her colon. Just before we left the hospital, they moved her to the ICU, which is where she currently is.
To my current knowledge (1:20pm), they haven't been able to completely stop the bleeding, but they've given her coagulants and have managed to slow it down. We just got to the hospital, and Matt was told that her heart rate and blood pressure are pretty close to her normal. I don't actually remember the numbers at the moment.
Things are ok for the moment. Thank you for reading, and for your support.
Cristina
Penny's blood pressure dropped very low last night after I posted. It was so low that the nurse thought her machine was broken. She was moved into a bigger ER room with a bigger team.
She had a center line put in (no easy task) to stabilize her until they could find the bleeding and try to stop it. As I'm sure you can imagine, it was a very long night for all of us. The line finally went in (to bone marrow, as her veins were too constricted), and they located the source of the bleeding: her colon. Just before we left the hospital, they moved her to the ICU, which is where she currently is.
To my current knowledge (1:20pm), they haven't been able to completely stop the bleeding, but they've given her coagulants and have managed to slow it down. We just got to the hospital, and Matt was told that her heart rate and blood pressure are pretty close to her normal. I don't actually remember the numbers at the moment.
Things are ok for the moment. Thank you for reading, and for your support.
Cristina
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Monday continued to be restful. Penny was more lucid than on Sunday, but not as lucid as usual. She had some visitors on Monday, which she enjoyed immensely.
Tuesday afternoon was the first radiation treatment, and the first dose of chemo (which is in pill form). Everything seemed to have gone well. After she was home, in attempting to get out of the wheelchair, she had a (cushioned) fall. Matt was right there, and helped lower her to the ground. It was very scary for her, but it seemed like she was okay.
Today, Penny was complaining of a sharp pain in her lower left abdomen. It's the worst pain she's been in with this experience. She's refused morphine to this point, because she doesn't want to lose any lucidity she has left, but today asked for two doses of morphine.
After talking with several different people at CBCC, Matt and Terry decided it would be best to call an ambulance to take her to the ER. She went to Bakersfield Memorial. It turns out that the sharp pain was internal bleeding. As of now, we don't know what caused the internal bleeding. She'll be staying the night in Bakersfield Memorial, and then will be moved tomorrow to Mercy Hospital, also in Bakersfield, so she can continue to receive radiation treatment while recovering. We're not sure how long she'll be at Mercy, but we'll keep you posted.
Thanks for all you do for us, and for the kind words of support.
Cristina
Tuesday afternoon was the first radiation treatment, and the first dose of chemo (which is in pill form). Everything seemed to have gone well. After she was home, in attempting to get out of the wheelchair, she had a (cushioned) fall. Matt was right there, and helped lower her to the ground. It was very scary for her, but it seemed like she was okay.
Today, Penny was complaining of a sharp pain in her lower left abdomen. It's the worst pain she's been in with this experience. She's refused morphine to this point, because she doesn't want to lose any lucidity she has left, but today asked for two doses of morphine.
After talking with several different people at CBCC, Matt and Terry decided it would be best to call an ambulance to take her to the ER. She went to Bakersfield Memorial. It turns out that the sharp pain was internal bleeding. As of now, we don't know what caused the internal bleeding. She'll be staying the night in Bakersfield Memorial, and then will be moved tomorrow to Mercy Hospital, also in Bakersfield, so she can continue to receive radiation treatment while recovering. We're not sure how long she'll be at Mercy, but we'll keep you posted.
Thanks for all you do for us, and for the kind words of support.
Cristina
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Sunday, May 26, 2013
What a week!
Penny was supposed to start radiation Thursday afternoon, but the swelling on her head had changed size since they'd done the markers, so they couldn't start. Since the swelling changes every day, they're going to use a bigger mapping mask, and they did the re-marking for that on Friday. She'll finally be able to start radiation and chemo on Tuesday (since tomorrow's Memorial Day).
Also on Friday, one of Penny's friends from CSUB, Rose, came and brought one of her friends, Jeffery, who is also in Social Work. Having them here was lovely, and options were discussed with Terry as far as daily care goes. No decisions have been made yet. We're going to have a couple of companies come out as soon as we can on Tuesday for a free evaluation so we can get some bids.
Around the same time, Penny's physical therapist (Jessica) came. She talked with Penny and Terry about transfers (to and from bed, to and from car, etc.), and giving training to both Penny and whoever's helping her so that neither gets hurt. Training involves doing transfers a certain way in a certain order to maximize safety. Since Penny's re-marking appt. was at 1:30, Jessica helped with the car transfer and gave us a lot of very helpful tips. (Who knew that boardwalks and curbs could be so useful??) Jessica is AMAZING, and we are so grateful for her help.
Jessica will be returning Tuesday morning, and Jeffery will be returning Wednesday morning.
Penny loves having visitors, even though she gets tired very easily. Since we arrived last Sunday evening, Penny has been lucid about 95% of the time. Today, she's been a lot less lucid, which makes things more difficult.
I'm asked regularly whether I think Penny is going downhill. It always surprises me how difficult that is to answer, because it's not a straight "yes" or "no." She is physically very strong. She has good muscle tone in her limbs and can do a lot. However, she has a lot of fear. She is very, very afraid of falling, and that is her biggest adversary in her physical abilities. It's difficult for us to tell, sometimes, whether her fear comes from the falls she's already had (none of which have been bad, physically), or whether it's coming from the brain injury itself. Rose is in Social Work, and mentioned that she could do a test on Penny to help determine an answer, but that it most likely switches between the two regularly. We also know that how we answer that question will change once she actually starts treatment.
We continue to do what we can, and are grateful for the support and love of family, friends, colleagues, co-workers, and dogs (and cats, too, I suppose).
Thanks for the flowers, cards and food. They are all appreciated, more than you know.
Cristina
Penny was supposed to start radiation Thursday afternoon, but the swelling on her head had changed size since they'd done the markers, so they couldn't start. Since the swelling changes every day, they're going to use a bigger mapping mask, and they did the re-marking for that on Friday. She'll finally be able to start radiation and chemo on Tuesday (since tomorrow's Memorial Day).
Also on Friday, one of Penny's friends from CSUB, Rose, came and brought one of her friends, Jeffery, who is also in Social Work. Having them here was lovely, and options were discussed with Terry as far as daily care goes. No decisions have been made yet. We're going to have a couple of companies come out as soon as we can on Tuesday for a free evaluation so we can get some bids.
Around the same time, Penny's physical therapist (Jessica) came. She talked with Penny and Terry about transfers (to and from bed, to and from car, etc.), and giving training to both Penny and whoever's helping her so that neither gets hurt. Training involves doing transfers a certain way in a certain order to maximize safety. Since Penny's re-marking appt. was at 1:30, Jessica helped with the car transfer and gave us a lot of very helpful tips. (Who knew that boardwalks and curbs could be so useful??) Jessica is AMAZING, and we are so grateful for her help.
Jessica will be returning Tuesday morning, and Jeffery will be returning Wednesday morning.
Penny loves having visitors, even though she gets tired very easily. Since we arrived last Sunday evening, Penny has been lucid about 95% of the time. Today, she's been a lot less lucid, which makes things more difficult.
I'm asked regularly whether I think Penny is going downhill. It always surprises me how difficult that is to answer, because it's not a straight "yes" or "no." She is physically very strong. She has good muscle tone in her limbs and can do a lot. However, she has a lot of fear. She is very, very afraid of falling, and that is her biggest adversary in her physical abilities. It's difficult for us to tell, sometimes, whether her fear comes from the falls she's already had (none of which have been bad, physically), or whether it's coming from the brain injury itself. Rose is in Social Work, and mentioned that she could do a test on Penny to help determine an answer, but that it most likely switches between the two regularly. We also know that how we answer that question will change once she actually starts treatment.
We continue to do what we can, and are grateful for the support and love of family, friends, colleagues, co-workers, and dogs (and cats, too, I suppose).
Thanks for the flowers, cards and food. They are all appreciated, more than you know.
Cristina
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Sorry for the long time between updates! As you can guess, it continues to be very busy here.
Matt, Elizabeth and I are visiting right now, and we've enjoyed it, even though it's very hard work.
Penny, Terry, Matt and Elizabeth went to Bakersfield today to prepare Penny for radiation and chemotherapy, which start tomorrow. Penny got in very quickly at the office, and the appointment went very well.
Earlier today, we had visits from the social worker, physical therapist and RN. All three were able to answer several questions that Matt and Elizabeth had. The PT worked with Penny quite a bit, and we all are working to help her overcome her fears of falling and working on the difficult PT things. Terry gets scared, too, and just wants things to be fixed right away, so we're trying to help him understand that it's a process, and that patience and training are needed. We're going to try to schedule another PT appointment when hopefully Mike, Kirsten or Maren can be here to train with Terry and Penny on the daily exercises that will help Penny the most.
Elizabeth has spent the vast majority of the last three days on the phone with the hospice/home health company and Medicare to try and get things worked out. She's been amazing, and finally got things worked out today so that radiation and chemo can start tomorrow. Matt and I have spent time doing some background research for her, and also cleaning. We've done a lot of organizing of documents, and cleared out a space in Terry's office so that he can sit and have some room to look at things.
Thank you, all, for your help and support. You've made it easier for us to pick up where you left off while we're here. This is a difficult time for everyone, and your efforts are appreciated.
Cristina
Matt, Elizabeth and I are visiting right now, and we've enjoyed it, even though it's very hard work.
Penny, Terry, Matt and Elizabeth went to Bakersfield today to prepare Penny for radiation and chemotherapy, which start tomorrow. Penny got in very quickly at the office, and the appointment went very well.
Earlier today, we had visits from the social worker, physical therapist and RN. All three were able to answer several questions that Matt and Elizabeth had. The PT worked with Penny quite a bit, and we all are working to help her overcome her fears of falling and working on the difficult PT things. Terry gets scared, too, and just wants things to be fixed right away, so we're trying to help him understand that it's a process, and that patience and training are needed. We're going to try to schedule another PT appointment when hopefully Mike, Kirsten or Maren can be here to train with Terry and Penny on the daily exercises that will help Penny the most.
Elizabeth has spent the vast majority of the last three days on the phone with the hospice/home health company and Medicare to try and get things worked out. She's been amazing, and finally got things worked out today so that radiation and chemo can start tomorrow. Matt and I have spent time doing some background research for her, and also cleaning. We've done a lot of organizing of documents, and cleared out a space in Terry's office so that he can sit and have some room to look at things.
Thank you, all, for your help and support. You've made it easier for us to pick up where you left off while we're here. This is a difficult time for everyone, and your efforts are appreciated.
Cristina
Friday, May 10, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
Penny continues to rest comfortably at home most days. The past two weeks she has had doctor’s
appointments in Bakersfield on Thursdays and Fridays in preparation for
treatment. She will be undergoing
radiation and chemotherapy concurrently, probably beginning in ten days to two
weeks. Yesterday she had new CT scans
and MRIs taken so that the radial oncologist can plan her treatment with the
most recent information on the locations of her cancer. She wears a helmet every time she is out of
bed, and yesterday that was adjusted so it is much more comfortable for
her. As of this weekend she is no longer
under hospice care. Optimal has switched
her over to their home health division, so we will be getting to know a different
set of nurses and aides. Penny is still answering her phones, although sometimes
she has a hard time answering them before the call goes to voicemail. She is still looking at Facebook and reads
everything that people post. She really
appreciates your comments on her page.
Last weekend, Mike and Kirsten arranged for her to watch part of one of
her grandson’s baseball games, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She enjoys receiving cards and letters
too. They brighten up her day. Another bright spot- one of the families from
church has let Penny borrow a lift chair for the TV room. The lift chair will
give her another place to sit down in the house, even when Terry is the only
other person home. Without the lift, it takes two strong people to get her out
of the chairs at their home. This
situation has limited her ability to relax outside of her bed. Now, thanks to the Chickerings, she will be
able to have a change of setting. Thank
you! And thank you to all of you who
have served her and Terry by sitting with in the afternoons and evenings. You have been such a great help!
Karinne
Karinne
Friday, April 26, 2013
Friday, April 26, 2013
I know it has been over a week since we posted last, but it
has been BUSY. Penny has been pretty
comfortable at home most days. She
especially enjoyed having her children and GRANDCHILDREN around. Eliza, and Kathryn and Nate and their kids were
here for almost a week. Like any good Grandma, she has been giving lots of hugs
and kisses. Her grandkids have been
carefully snuggling up next to her in the bed, running her errands, and drawing
her beautiful cards and pictures. Eliza
and Kathryn worked very hard to establish some good patterns and routines for
Penny’s care: the best way to help her out of bed, the best way to help her get
to sleep, the best way to keep her comfortable, etc. Their insights have been extremely
helpful. They also went with her to her
first oncologist appointment. First Time
Out of the House! It was a little bit of
an adventure! They also took her to
Kmart, just for somewhere new. After
they left, Penny’s mom arrived with Aurora.
Their visit was short, just a couple of days, but both mother and
daughter were happy to be together.
Since they left, the women from church have been taking turns sitting
with Penny for part of the day to give Terry a break.
Penny and Terry have
decided that treatment is the right option.
She had her second oncologist appointment this week and she and Terry
were presented with a treatment plan.
Once she is fully healed from her surgery, she will begin radiation/chemo
combination treatment five days a week for about five weeks. The doctors are expecting this to begin
sometime in May. In the meantime, we try
to help her be comfortable while she heals.
Penny is much more lucid than she was at the hospital, but there are
still times of confusion, especially related to time and direction. But she is enjoying the phone calls she
receives and all the visitors who come.
She has a positive attitude and is very grateful for those who call and stop
by. Keep in mind the last blog post: please try to come between the hours of
10:30am and 5pm. She does get tired and
needs some time to wind down in the evenings so that she can go to sleep. Thanks for all your well wishes and for your
concern. She loves all of you and she is happy to hear from you!
Karinne
Thursday, April 18, 2013
April 18, 2013 6:00am
Good morning! I’m
really sorry the blog has not been updated for a couple of days- I know that
many of you have been left without any information. We have been busy here in
Tehachapi helping Penny be comfortable now that she is home, and that has left
us with no time for an update. I’ll try to bring everyone up to speed now.
Penny is now comfortably situated in a downstairs bedroom. A
couple of her beloved dogs have carved out a place next to her bed. Some her friends and ward members have taken
turns sitting with her and she has kept Terry busy looking for the things she
feels will help her be comfy. Best of all Eliza, Kathryn, Nate, and the kids
have arrived! When I saw her yesterday,
she was very happy to be snuggling with grandkids and enjoying her children.
Having extra family here has created a window of time for
the rest of us to begin coordinating her care.
Ward leaders, friends, and family met together last night to assess
needs and make a plan. We hope to have
the pieces of this giant puzzle put together before Kathryn and Eliza return
home on Tuesday. We continue to receive
many offers of help from you. And we
will need help. If you will let me know
what you would be willing to do, I will make sure that your name gets to the
appropriate person.
Just a last word about visitors. At our meeting last night, it was decided
that it would be best to decrease the visiting hours a little, to give the family
a little more quiet time, especially in the evenings when Penny is tired after
a long day. So we would ask that you
visit between the hours of 10:30am and 5pm.
We are aware that many of you work and cannot come during the day. There may be occasions when she might be able
to have visitors after 5, but please contact the family to see if it’s a good
time. Remember that she is most lucid
earlier in the day, before she gets tired. It’s best if you don’t bring small
children with you, as the Swenson home is not childproof. Also, please bear in mind the sensitive
nature of Penny’s illness. Respect the
privacy of the family and please don’t ask Penny medical questions about the
nature of her diagnosis. Keep your visit
friendly and positive, not medical. She really does like to visit with
you. Ask her about her grandkids and
show her pictures of your family. She
loves to show everyone pictures of hers!
We are so grateful for all the expressions of love and
concern that you have sent Penny’s way.
She and her family appreciate each of you and the role you play in their
lives. Thank you again for all you have
done and will do to help them!
Karinne
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