Christmas Cookies

This is Melanie, Lisa's daughter. We are all here for Christmas and it has been a blast. I thought it was about time to get some pictures up here and show a little of what we have been up to. The past few days have been filled with making lots of cookies and having fun. I think we have made five or six different kinds so far.

Physically, Grani has declined. She is feeling a lot more wobbly and uses a walker-either a grandchild as a walker or the metal kind :) Last week she fell and skinned her arms and add some color to her body. Grani without bright colors is just not Grani. Mentally things are changing. There are times when "A dark foggy cloud takes over the healthy brain and then backs off," says Grani. Occasionally she is beginning to have headaches which can be a sign of the tumor growing back. Besides this, she is the same old Grani whom we all know and love.

WEAKER AND WEAKER

Grani is getting physically weaker day by day. She is still napping twice a day, and even mentioned, "It feels good to be down". For now, visits and phone contacts are limited to once a day, usually on a first come (or call), first served basis. She is generally more energetic in the earlier hours of the day. Her Hospice nurse was just here, and said the weakness is most likely due to the location of the tumor/cancer in her brain.
She still likes to keep current on the family "happenings". Mikayla got her mission call to Barcelona, Spain (which Grani accurately guessed!), and Stewart's second oldest daughter Marissa just got married last weekend in the Las Vegas Temple to Cameron Crowther. The weekend was absolutely perfect (congrats to all involved), and Grani did have the energy for a sneak preview of the reception hall, which was magical.
Thinking toward the future, Grani wants everyone to know, especially those that live in Arizona, that she will have a graveside dedication at the Mesa Cemetary, with a roast (hot dogs, hamburgers and Grani) to follow at Sterling and Regina's home in Chandler. Absolutely all are welcome and encouraged to join in the celebration of Grani's terrific life as we visit and eat together.

Once again, we thank you all for your love and support.
Lisa

Update

There isn't a lot of change with Grani this month, though she is beginning to sleep more often. She usually takes a morning and afternoon nap and is down for the night by 7:30. She really enjoyed a visit with her brother Keith and his wife Leanna last week. We continue to extend an invitation to all who are intertested in visiting with her briefly, if you can stay upbeat and positive.

Thank you so much for your love and concern. All is well here!!


Lisa

update

Grani is a tiger mentally, but physically she is still declining. Last week she was watering in the backyard and was very wobbly, and Saturday, while on a stool watering the hanging tomato, she just about fell to the concrete porch. Her "high work" has ended! She's pretty good about directing traffic from the couch, so the work will continue in different hands. We managed to cut limbs, plant flowers and tomatos, and trim some bushes last week. She still loves to create order out of chaos, so we try to make messes for her to clean up! Michael is especially helpful in this area. :)

Grani is beginning to show a little more interest in brief visits (20-30 minutes maximum), so if you are in the area, stop by and say hi. She most enjoys individual/couple visits as large crowds are a bit overwhelming. Call Lisa to set up a time. 425 432 9545

Grani is especially looking forward to conference weekend. She loves the fact that she can view the sessions from the couch. She mentioned just today that because she isn't able to attend church, this is her bi-annual church time.

Thanks for all your interest in her behalf. Lisa

September 14

Hi all,

Grani has some new Nanis as Mikayla is off preparing for her mission. We love Mikayla, and she did AMAZING work here!! Lisa, Douglas, and Michael are in residence at Grani's house, and we are the new Nanis.

We have spent the last week re-arranging bedrooms, furniture, etc. Grani requested to be in the front bedroom because she feels a little safer in smaller places. Hence, new towels, new bed, new headboard that actually just broke this morning because we took it outside to touch up the paint, and the wind blew it over! We send apologies to Sterling, Regina, Steven, Roger and Parker who built the headboard. :(

Tomorrow we are buying the new Dan Brown book " The Lost Scrolls. Grani really wants to read it before she dies.

Health wise, all is well according to Grani. The hospice nurse was here last week and noted the only decline is in her leg muscles which are really weak, probably due to the steroid medication she is taking. Grani also mentioned to us yesterday that another decline is in her vision. It's getting harder to see. Talking on the phone still is a challenge, so grani has requested that her phone is available to children and grandchildren, and Lisa's phone is available for extended family and friends. Lisa's number is 206 963 9545. Call her for any info and updates you might need.

We all send our love and good wishes for a great day!

Grani, Lisa, Douglas, and Michael

Adventures with the Grani!

Today we went to TJ Maxx to buy pillow cases that would actually fit her pillows.

Because the Senate is out for the month of August, C-SPAN has had some fun other programs running. Book clubs and things like that. This prompted a stop at the Library!!!

Then we went to Wal-Mart and ran into Brother Brown from the Store House. She talked with him for probably 10 mins.

Yeah for her feeling a bit better!

Love you

Mikayla

Sneezed

She Sneezed today and it did not hurt. This was a first in a long time because of the cough!

YEAH

Getting better

Just thought I would update all of you on the health of Grani!

She is doing better today. She has been sick with Bronchitis and aches. Over the past week she has coughed so much that she bruised/tore a muscle near her lower ribs. It really hurts when she coughs. Breathing is slightly painful too, which makes talking painful! She just told me that she thinks the bronchitis is gone but it she is still in recovery mode!!!

Thank you for your concern!

Mikayla

Please call my cell phone if you have questions, Grani is screening her calls!

702.496.7210

Bronchitis?

Well, the RN came over last Tuesday and checked up on her. She had Bronchitis and flu like symptoms. She has been resting for the past week and we get to see Marilyn (our hospice nurse) tomorrow! She is feeling better today. She thinks that the bronchitis is gone. But is it still really hard to breathe. From all the coughing, she thinks that she bruised/tore a muscle near her lower ribs, so it really hurts to cough and breathing is difficult which makes speaking difficult!!

Thank you all!

Mikayla

Hospice

Can I tell you that I am in love with these amazing Hospice people. They are the kindest, most caring individuals you will ever meet. We are in the system and no longer have to worry about anything! So great! 

Thanks

Mikayla

David & Emily's Wedding

Yesterday was the wedding of the first of Grani's Grandchildren. They were married in the Manti, Ut temple with their reception in Ephraim, Ut. Not only was Emily absolutely BEAUTIFUL, but the weather, the reception and the people were beautiful too. Oh and David was handsome. Everything flowed so smoothly and they were such gracious people. We are so lucky to have Emily in our family.  

Grani did great. We left Las Vegas at 7 am and then got home about 2 am this morning. We had fun and it was fun to have a lot of us there!! 

Congratulations  

David and Emily

Update on the Tumor

Radiation reduced the tumor down to 40 percent of post surgery/pre radiation size. 

Life expectancy is a good 6-9 months.

Very wobbly and doesn't like to look in mirror.

Still hard to think and talk.

But basically fine under the circumstances.

Thanks!

If you have any questions feel free to email me.

kikaylathered@gmail.com

One view from Grani's Room

View from Grani's Balcony

Sitka

Alaska or Bust!

Mom, Marissa & Grani 'chillin' at the Airport in Las Vegas

Only half of our luggage from Lisa's house to the Cruise Depot

Grani at Lisa's house, completely enjoying herself

Just got home

Just got home and will have an updated blog soon!!

Health Updates

There has been a request for more information about Grani's health.

Here is a little information:

Grani finished Radiation about 20 days ago. 

She was moved down to 1 mg of Dexamethasm at the same time. 

That Friday she had a head ache, because the steroid was not enough. 

Had another headache.

Called Dr.

Dr. said to up the steroid back to 2 mg.

Fixed the problem.

Bumped herself back to 1 mg.

Still no problem. 

Doing well

Grani does little jobs through out the day. On Thursday, she made a goal to do a bunch of things. For example, on her list was to sweep the front porch, cut the fringe on the rug, and vacuum the bugs out of the garage. She is doing great. She even tried to go out and socialize with the neighbors for 5-10 mins. It was really good. 

She is excited for the cruise which will come in so little time. She has been packing for this cruise for about a month, and we are just putting the finishing touches on getting ready. We leave for Seattle on Thursday Morning and are ready to party. 

She broke down from watching Create TV yesterday. It was the Katie Brown Workshop all day, her least favorite show. She watched the Cranford series that David and Tara gave her for Mothers Day. Very good. If anyone has the 6 hour version of Pride and Prejudice or any other Jane Austen movies that are long and are willing to let us borrow them this week, let me know.

Thanks again! 

You are all amazing

One week from Today!! 

Countdown time!!

Cruise Countdown: 14 Days til we board the ship!
This week: Steven Skouson June 4th & Stephen Hogg June 5th

Yeah Hoo!

Bored!

If you know Grani, you know that she never uses the word "Bored". She thinks that boredom is brought upon yourself and you will always be able to find something to do. Well, when Marissa and I came home from church she said, "I know this is a swear word, but I am bored." Marissa and I were shocked.

She is doing so well. Becoming her old self. Energy levels are low, but her enthusiam and love for life has definately returned to her spirits. I am surely glad for this change.

Love you all,

Mikayla

Request From Lisa

There is no need to fear. We will survive this!

Hello All, 

Lisa has requested that I remind you all about the Cruise Talent Show. You are all very talented and we need you to participate to have a 'Spectacular Show'. Please gather your thoughts on what you would like to do and then email/call her to tell her what your plan is. Please make this ASAP as we would like to get this program put together. 

Muchos Gracias!

Mikayla

Also, dear friends, do not forget about the book. You all are fabulous. Love you!

New Post

Grani says Hi. 

Things are going well here, just really slow. She is super tired and is recovering well. We are glad to see her up and around a couple of times a day. You all are wonderful! 

Love you lots

Cruise Countdown: 19 days

Seattle Countdown: 10 days

Countdown Updates!

15 Days til we leave for Seattle

24 Days til the Cruise

Melanie: what is yours and your families Email...for some reason I have the wrong one.

Thanks

Mikayla

Hello my friends!

Well, 

Here's the update. She is doing well, but taking it slow. It is important for her to feel better before the cruise, and resting is the best way to accomplish this. But she finished radiation and she will finish the steroids on Friday...Then we can completely begin to recover. She is amazing. Her favorite thing to do is watch Create TV. Right now we are watching "A Brush with Nature" and the man just a the lily he was painting. Weird, but whatever! 

We love you all!

Mikayla

Welp! We Finished!

Done! Done with Radiation! She got to take her mask home today. (if I could get the camera to upload to the computer, we could have pictures.) But she is doing wonderful!

Quote From Colleen

Cancer is a disease of Love – a time to say goodbye, mend fences, and express love.”

 

                        --Elder Steven Snow  (he’s the smiley one – love him!)

Thanks Colleen!

 

ONE DAY!

Just so you know...We went to Radiation today for the second to last time. We spoke with the doctor about all the things we should know regarding her ending the treatment. Dr. Lopez is such a nice man. Every time we meet, he tries to remember who I am, but sometimes he is just unable to do so. Anyways I would like to thank him for trying. 

She had a fun weekend with Sterling & Regina coming into town. We decided not to wallpaper, but she had fun especially with the Strawberry Pie that Sterling made and was very grateful for Regina going through "all her papers." Yes Colleen, She wanted you to know that she did have some papers. Ha Ha!

We have started to scan in pictures for Grani's Personal History Book! Super Fun! 

Thanks to Sterling and Regina for all your brilliant help! Love you guys!

 If you have any questions about Grani, feel free to post a comment and then I will do you the pleasure of answering the question to the best of my abilities. 

Thanks for your support!

Grani Feels Better

She wanted me to get up this morning and tell the world, "I Feel Better!!" This is great news. She is able to get up and do thing. Last night she requested that I go get a lot of Kentucky Fried Chicken...the super greasy and crunchy kind...and to her surprise, she could actually taste it. She has been sleeping too which is a definate plus. Sleep always lifts spirits and gives the extra boost needed for living. Her steroids are down from 16mg to 2mgs. so She is doing amazing. She can start to feel her arthritis pains, which she says is good, and she can sleep. YEAH HOO!! She has even answered some phone calls and had a couple of visitors. She is recovering! She says that this doesn't mean she can think any better, but she can start to feel, see, touch, and taste things again!! 

Thank you all for you understanding during the hardest time up to now. You are brilliant!!!  

Radiation

Well, we talked to the doctor on Monday and  he said that she should finish out the radiation (which would put her back till next Thursday!). The silly radiation machines are being tested on Friday, so we have no radiation that day, and we have another Doctors appointment next Wednesday. With those 2 missed days, it would put us back till Thursday! She has decided that she can't see going past Wednesday, so I think we are just going to skip that last day. (this is a secret, we can't tell anyone. He he eh)  

But for the most part, she is doing well. Just chillin' on the couch. If anyone has any good movies, books, or time fillers...lemme know and I will pass on the word to Grani! 

Cruise Countdown: 32 Days

And to all you experienced Cruisers, we would like your tips on how to have the best cruise experience possible. 

Thank you all for your comments, she loves to hear your encouraging words! 

Love you

Mikayla 

Happy Mothers Day!

Well, Today has been a real challenge. She is at the end of radiation (5 days! Hooray!) and as she said today, "It is really doing its job." Killing the bad stuff and zapping her energy. Thank you all for thoughts and prayers in her direction. She really does appreciate all of you, but really can't manage visitors. 

Regina & Sterling are coming this weekend and she is looking forward to wallpapering her wall near the fridge in her home. She said to me that she just wants to lay on the couch and boss people around. I told her that she has earned this right. 

Just a little note, she said to me today that she just wants it her way for a while. I thought this was good to know. The last time she went to church she wore a pin that said "I am the Queen of Everything." So I am doing my best to make sure this is happening. If you are looking to come over, give me a call. I will be monitoring all calls and if she is up to talking to you then you will get by the troll at the bridge (isn't there a story about goats and trolls and bridges?) and talk with her. 

A little shout out to the Hogg family up north. We just listened to the tape that she made with Melanie about her memories. What a valuable piece. She commented after by saying "Golly, that sounded like I had a brain for just a min." She is so cute. 

Also, don't forget to get me your memories on Grani. I need to get this book together! And her personal History!!!!

Well, Hope this finds everyone well! We love you!

Mikayla

Family PS: Stewart's Birthday is tomorrow May 11 and Andrews Birthday is Wednesday May 13!!

Well Its Official!

Grani has a blog. Okay, well this is Mikayla in the blogging world for Grani. I know many of you are interested in Grani and her well-being. Welcome. Ask Questions. Give Advice (especially good books, documentaries you have seen, etc.). Leave a good note. I will update her of all these things on a daily basis. But mainly, we will try to update you on her! Thanks

Mikayla