Update: 03/21/06

Medications:

80 mg. Oral Morphine in 4 doses.

120 mg. Extended Release Morphine.

2 mg. Lorazepam in 2 doses (for sleeping/anxiety).

30 mg. Compazine in 3 doses

Morning SAT: Oxygen Saturation = 91/Heart rate = 101 (standing).

Evening SAT: Oxygen Saturation = 100/Heart rate = 91 (lying down).

How Joann’s Day Went:

Late at night, lying next to her, before sleep claims me, I hear her breathing. She breathes like a bird, rapid and shallow, like the fluttering of small wings trying to take flight. I think now I know why. Nurse Kathy stopped by today. Joann’s hypoxia was a precursor to what the nurse thought appeared to be pulmonary edema. Joann says she is having bouts of stomach pain, and pain in the lower left side of her back. She is also experiencing a foaming backwash when she drinks or eats. There was also an inch-diameter spot of blood mixed with saliva on her bed-sheet this morning as well. This may be temporary, so I’ll know better tonight. Now, Joann thinks she is in the last stage before the final stage. On the other hand, this could be one of those "dips" in her overall condition. I hope so.

Otherwise, Joann perked up somewhat later in the evening and had a good dinner and played cards with Bill and I. She didn’t come all the way back though, as is to be expected in her condition.