Ken is Having a Better Day Today

Today has started out being a good day for Ken. I am so very thankful because until yesterday things were a bit rough. We really didn't have much hope for him and were praying that God would relieve him of the pain that he was in. On Friday Ken asked that we give him more prednisone because he felt that the problem he was having was with that Polymyalgia Rheumatica. Karen called the home health about talking to the doctor about this and the doctor put him on 4 prednisone a day for a week and will taper down to one again in four weeks. This has helped Ken quite a bit. For one thing, it seems to be taking down the swelling somewhat in his left leg and has given him a appetite again. It is wonderful to see him eating again, as before he really didn't care to eat anything much except for a health shake (Herbalife) or some yogurt. He really like the health shakes and they are so good for him as we put fruit and yogurt in them and they are full of vitamins. This morning he had a scrambled egg, a small glass of OJ, and a health shake. Also he asked me last night to start giving him his Poly-MVA doses again. He has to take them orally and we cannot get him to the clinic for the IV doses.

Karen had to go back to California yesterday. She had planned to stay another week, but she found out that the apartment she is staying in is not being paid for by the traveling nurse company she works for when she is not working at the hospital, so last week cost her $400 in rent (Laguna Beach). She has to complete four more weeks on her contract and then she will be back home. Our son, Craig, arrived Saturday and will be staying with us all through this week. He is such a wonderful help to his Dad and I and we appreciate him so very much for taking a week of his vacation to be here. Also, Jeffrey has gone back home as his school starts tomorrow. He has been with us all summer and has been a tremendous help. Tresha and family has been here almost every day helping do what is needed. I praise God for our kids and grandkids!!

On Saturday, Ken wanted the kids to give me an early birthday party as Karen and Jeff were leaving. My birthday is not until the 28th. I will be 66 years young!!!

We had a great party with cake and ice cream. Yum!! Ken ate a piece of cake and two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. We were so surprised as he had not been eating anything solid. He sure enjoyed it.

Birthday Party Attendees

Left Side of Ken: Jacob, Emily, Karen, & Tresha

Right: Jeff, Craig, & Mary

This picture shows Ken with a smile! We had the camera set on the timer and Karen had to jump in to get in the picture and Craig got cut out of this one.

Yesterday (Sunday), our friends and adopted kids, Diana and Rick, came by to see Ken and told us that they were bring dinner for us yesterday evening. Diana made our favorite beef enchilada casserole and chocolate sheet cake. Can you believe Ken ate some of the casserole and wanted chocolate cake and chocolate ice cream and ate the whole thing! We were so amazed. (I have been giving him anything he wants to eat if he will eat it. Of course, I had to give him extra insulin that evening but his sugar level was good this morning. Diana and Rick really cheered Ken up. Diana and Ken carried on with their bantering back & forth and had us all laughing. It was really good for Ken. Thanks Diana & Rick for a wonderful dinner and an enjoyable day!! We love you!!!