Why are we here??

The Dan and Betty Speakman siblings have made this blog to keep you updated on the health and progress of Mom.

Just as background, Mom was admitted to McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah on Wednesday the 24th of September with lower abdomen pain caused by Diverticulitis.

Diverticulitis
Diverticulosis is the formation of numerous tiny pockets, or diverticula, in the lining of the bowel. Diverticula, which can range from pea-size to much larger, are formed by increased pressure on weakened spots of the intestinal walls by gas, waste or liquid. They are most common in the lower portion of the large intestine (called the sigmoid colon).

After receiving a CT Scan, it was determined that she had stage 4 (4 out of 4) ovarian cancer,
in addition to blockage in her small intestines, but could not be confirmed without a biopsy.

After more tests, 5 days in the hospital, more information and much thought and consideration, Mom has decided to follow the surgeons recommendation and undergo surgery to bypass the obstruction in her small intestines, caused likely by the cancer filling her lower abdomen.

Tuesday morning, the 30th of September, we will conference with the surgeon to set a date for surgery (possibly the same day) and will post the information as soon as we get it.

Mom has been kept as comfortable as possible by placing an NG tube (Nasal Gastro) through her nose into her stomach to keep all acid's out of her stomach since nothing has been able to go through her intestines since Sunday the 21st. She is being fed by a PICC line which puts a nutritional mix directly into her blood vein by her heart as well as a IV to keep her hydrated.

She's been an amazing trouper. The medical staff has done some pretty mean things to her and she's never complained (unlike her children). She's still spunky, tough and sweet. The nursing staff loves her of course, and she is constantly surrounded by at least one if not all of her children.

Although she gets tired easily, she still looks forward to seeing every child, grandchild and great grandchild that comes to see her, as well as friends and family.

Tomorrow we will add photos and show you her lovely "elephant trunk" of which she is so proud of but more than willing to get rid of, which the surgery will accomplish.

Thanks for checking up on her - we all love her so much and want her to be comfortable and happy for her short time left here on Earth.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please send us a post, we will be checking and adding to this blog daily.

Love to all,

Jan, Ray, Joan, Lori and Marti (and David in spirit, we're sure he's hangin around!)