Two Steps forward, One Step Back...

Just when Mommy was making real "strides" with her foot physical therapy, we had to take a step back.

On May 5, Mommy wasn't feeling well and had extreme pain in her abdomen.  She was barely able to take her transplant meds that morning, but figured a little rest would help her feel better.  Ringo and I watched her all morning, she didn't move much.

When Daddy came home at lunch to check on us, Mommy tried to take a sip of tea.  What came next was intense!  I won't share too much information, but I have never seen that shade of green or that much stuff come out of anyone before.  That's right, Mommy threw up and it was a lot!  Daddy was worried, as were Ringo and I.  Mommy said she would be fine after a little more rest.  She hadn't eaten or had anything to drink all day.  She told Daddy to go back to work, she would be fine.

A couple hours later, explosion number two.  This time, Mommy threw up even more!  She was so dehydrated, her muscles were cramping up and she could barely hold herself up.  She was able to call Daddy and ask him to come right home.  She knew she needed to go to the hospital.

Daddy got home in record speed, helped Mommy into the car and off they went to the hospital.

When Mommy and Daddy got to the ER, they took Mommy's blood pressure.  It was dangerously low, so they took her right back and gave her IV fluids, nausea meds and something for pain.  After a CT and blood work, they determined it was an obstruction of the small intestine and some pancreas inflammation.

Mommy was in the hospital for five and a half days.  For the first two days, she couldn't eat or drink anything.  On day three, she had liquids and then moved to soft food.  She got sick, so Mommy had to go back to liquids.  On day five, she tried soft food again.  It was mashed potatoes, her favorite!  That was good enough to let her come home the next day!

On Sunday, May 10, Mommy came home just in time to celebrate Mother's Day with us!  Ringo and I had a card for her and we even worked at a little dance to say "We missed you, welcome back!"  I jumped up to give her a kiss, while Ringo did circles around me.  After my kiss, Ringo jumped up and gave Mommy more kisses while I did circles - wagging my tail.  It has been a slow, but steady recovery.  Mommy has to work on stretching her stomach back to its normal size, again.  She is still doing her foot therapy and hasn't thrown up since the hospital!

I guess this is life, two steps forward and then one step back.  It's kind of like a health cha cha.  It's a good thing Mommy likes to dance!

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab

What Happened to April

I can not believe April is over!  When the weather is nice, does the time fly quicker?  It has been a wonderful Spring for us in Minnesota.  We are due, the last few springs were non-existent!  I heard on the news that the lilacs are going to blossom sometime between May 7 and 12.  Lilacs are the real sign of spring!  My family loves their scent, so we are looking forward to them.

Mommy and Daddy participated in a book and media sale at the First Presbyterian Church in South St. Paul.  It was to support some missionaries.  They always enjoy helping important causes.  We don't have a lot of money, so donating the proceeds from book sales is a way we can help.

On April 24, we celebrated Rudy's 11th birthday.  Even though he is in heaven, we know he watches over us.  He can see us singing "Happy Birthday" to him and I'm sure that makes him happy!

Our book sales have been steady and we are very grateful for it.  We had a book order every week last month.  We're keeping our fingers and paws crossed that it continues.

Ringo and I had a play date at our friend, Jennifer's house.  Mommy and Daddy went to our human cousin Emily's wedding.  Furry cousins weren't invited.  We had a good time at our play date and Mommy and Daddy enjoyed the wedding.  We were all very tired at the end of the day.  We played a lot at Jennifer's house!

Mommy is still going to PT for her foot.  It is healing, but not completely healed yet.  The doctor wants her to take it slow.  Mommy is disappointed by that, but she understands.  She was told at her last appointment that the healing process could take at least 6 - 12 months, if there are no setbacks.  So, we go slow!  Happy May, everyone!  Hope you have some fun in the sun!

Love,
Boomer the Mellow Yellow Lab