Kelly is half way through her radiation treatments. Her back and hip are feeling better but the radiation is really putting a strain on her body. It is kicking her ass. She's a tough woman and will come through this but right now she's is pretty much miserable. Her sister, Marla, was kind enough to put together a guide for everyone visiting and I want to share it with the rest of you: Kelly’s Rules of Engagement
Thank you for helping Kelly in her fight against Cancer. There may be a battle lost here and there on some days but the war WILL be WON! So, with that said, please be sure you are familiar with the rules of engagement. Thank you again for enlisting!
Ø Give her all medications on time and chart all actions such as weight, bowel movement and vomiting!
Ø Keeping her weight up is important! Weight loss will slow healing & recovery, worsen fatigue & increase negative side effects. Treat food like medication!
Ø Offer food every hour and chart her progress. Don’t worry about how much she eats just focus on her eating often. 2-3 bites every hour is a victory!
Ø Focus on offering high calorie protein based food. Avoid junk food since nutrition is the weapon of choice here.
Ø Offer liquids between meals not with meals. Always give her a straw as it is difficult for her to swallow without one right now. The goal is ½ gallon of fluids daily.
Ø Help Kelly relax. If she feels anxious or sick, open the doors, remind her to sit up, not lie down, help her to take deep breaths in through her nose and blow out through her mouth. These things have a proven track record for her.
Ø Talk to her…..not at her. Don’t tell her what you think she should be doing or how to do it unless it is a part of the approved battle plan that she MUST follow! Push when necessary otherwise stand back and support her.
Ø Encourage Kelly to get up and move everyday! Take a short walk around the backyard with her. Walk through the house. Moving around every few hours for 10 – 15 minutes will promote healing.
Ø If she does get sick, help her in the bathroom by holding her hair back and gently rubbing her back for her. Make sure the bathroom window is open for air. Hand her tissue when she is done. Don’t talk just silently pray over her. That is the BEST gift you can give her!
As you can see, Marla is truly a gift from God. With everyone's prayers, Kelly will get through this. Any encouraging or humorus emails are appreciated. She enjoys reading them.
Thank you for helping Kelly in her fight against Cancer. There may be a battle lost here and there on some days but the war WILL be WON! So, with that said, please be sure you are familiar with the rules of engagement. Thank you again for enlisting!
Ø Give her all medications on time and chart all actions such as weight, bowel movement and vomiting!
Ø Keeping her weight up is important! Weight loss will slow healing & recovery, worsen fatigue & increase negative side effects. Treat food like medication!
Ø Offer food every hour and chart her progress. Don’t worry about how much she eats just focus on her eating often. 2-3 bites every hour is a victory!
Ø Focus on offering high calorie protein based food. Avoid junk food since nutrition is the weapon of choice here.
Ø Offer liquids between meals not with meals. Always give her a straw as it is difficult for her to swallow without one right now. The goal is ½ gallon of fluids daily.
Ø Help Kelly relax. If she feels anxious or sick, open the doors, remind her to sit up, not lie down, help her to take deep breaths in through her nose and blow out through her mouth. These things have a proven track record for her.
Ø Talk to her…..not at her. Don’t tell her what you think she should be doing or how to do it unless it is a part of the approved battle plan that she MUST follow! Push when necessary otherwise stand back and support her.
Ø Encourage Kelly to get up and move everyday! Take a short walk around the backyard with her. Walk through the house. Moving around every few hours for 10 – 15 minutes will promote healing.
Ø If she does get sick, help her in the bathroom by holding her hair back and gently rubbing her back for her. Make sure the bathroom window is open for air. Hand her tissue when she is done. Don’t talk just silently pray over her. That is the BEST gift you can give her!
As you can see, Marla is truly a gift from God. With everyone's prayers, Kelly will get through this. Any encouraging or humorus emails are appreciated. She enjoys reading them.
Thank You.
David
2 comments:
Kelly,
This is Todd & Jill Macfarland, the one who purchased your house. Since we talk with the Gibson’s all the time, they have been updating us. Jill and I wanted send our thoughts and prayers to the both of you. While I did not know or get to meet David, our thoughts are with him as well.
I know I did not get to talk with you all that much, however I received such a warm feeling when we met and spoke in the breakfast room of the house. I am happy to hear you back and hip are better. My mom, who has leukemia, is going through the same treatment, thus I have some understanding of what you are going through. I have positive thoughts for you.
I am not sure what else to say other than we all are thinking about you. Take care and I will stay posted and wend and email again soon.
Wow Kelly good thing Marla had all those kids and animals. She sure knows how to lay down the rules. She always was a bit of a drill sargeant anyway. No wonder the boys have done so well in the service. (ha ha) You are lucky to have such a caring sister, give her a hug for me and tell her to give you a hug from me too!
Hope David has good results from his skin cancer removal.
I may have to try the bites of food every hour with Dad. He is improving everyday although he has little toddler tantrums, like tonight when I tried to get his PJ's on and was kicking and hitting me. The nurses eyes were so big and she was staying clear she was not going to get in the line of fire. Oh well everyday is a new day and he is swallowing a little bit and accepting a little food now. Baby steps, baby steps.
Just wanted to check in and let you know that I am thinking of you.
Kaitlyn has a rodeo in Feb. in King City, hope you are up for a visit by then. Love You Cuz, Cher
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