It's amazing how fast time goes by. I never realized that tomorrow would be an entire week since I've been here.

The experience at the park last week really took a toll on Mike. My poor boy slept almost solid for two days. I was really beginning to get worried about him. I had to force him to get up to go out or even to eat... had to get him started eating by hand feeding him. We really weren't out there very long... maybe 45 minutes, so I would never have thought it would bother him like that.

He's having problems sleeping again... not just panting, but sometimes sitting and staring while he pants. It's just so weird that it's only when we go to bed. He generally seems fine until then. However, there have been times I've noticed it starting up, so I'll give him the Benedryl, and we'll go to bed early so he could get settled as soon as possible before the panting gets worse.

We had a really hard night last night. He just couldn't sleep. He wasn't panting the whole time, but he was getting up and down... laying down and sitting... until almost 2:00 this morning. Then when he finally DID fall asleep, his breathing was really heavy, so of course I had to stay awake until it got a bit more normal. I ended up giving him the whole Benedryl last night.. 1/2 just wasn't doing it, and in all honesty, I probably could have given him another 1/2 to help him sleep (their children's strength so it probably would have been ok). I'm hoping he has better luck tonight.

Gidget has been full of the devil tonight. I've had to keep her busy because she's determined that she doesn't want Mike to sleep. Earlier (around 5:00) he must have been in a really deep sleep because she startled him and he actually snapped at her. I don't think he even knew he did it, but she really pissed him off. Then everytime he moved someplace else to sleep... she followed him and tried to get him to wake up and play.

He's sitting next to me right now, and everytime I pet him, I realize how soft his hair is and how loving he is and how blessed I am to have him with me. I just realized that Mike became a PIN on IMOM on October 20th last year. He's been a true success story for IMOM. At that time, the vet told me he "might" have six months.... and then in December when he started passing clots and IMOM raised enough for his surgery on January 2nd, they said, "a few weeks to a few months"... and Praise God... here we are a whole year after his first diagnosis. I am so very grateful for everyone who has helped my sweet boy and all the wonderful friends we've found there for support and so very grateful to God for helping him maintain a decent quality of life for so long after "man" said otherwise. What a miracle he truly is.

Hi Alex... The hayride really was fun. I'm glad I went. It's so funny to think of a bonfire in 85 degree weather... guess that's just not a Florida past time. LOL I lived a year in California, so I know what you mean about being thrown off with the season always being like Summer. It's weird going Christmas shopping and wrapping presents when there's not even a breeze in the air. LOL

I haven't heard from Roberta for a little while. Last time I talked to her, she was still on days, and I "think" she likes it. It's tough working nights. I did it for four years, and I loved it, but it does screw up your system.

Give the kids hugs for me.

Ok... gotta get going.... I hope everyone is having a wonderful week.

Love & Blessings

Alexandra said...

Wow, Joanna, that hayride sounds wonderful! I'm so glad to hear about you getting out and having some fun. Really REALLY glad.

At first I was confused. I think living in Florida, I am losing track of the seasons. All I could think of was, "A hayride and bonfire in 85 degree weather?" But then I remembered where you live.

I get thrown off guard at church when they ask me to design a slide for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I'm thinking, "But it's still summer."

Anyway, I'm glad you can get out. Talk to you soon.

Love,
Alex

PS How's Roberta doing? Is she still at her day job now?

October 16, 2008 5:52 PM