ThatPurpleMom.com: Health-Vikki/Mom

Showing posts with label Health-Vikki/Mom. Show all posts

Dec 9: Overwhelmed. Again.

I keep trying to carve out time up write here, work on projects, deal with my health issues, finish writing books, help Weslee, etc, but I am struggling. (Oh, and my computer died. Arghh!)

Finally healed from my 3 hospital visits (3 in 6 weeks!) so now I need to turn my focus to my super-low platelets and uterine cancer.

Weslee has been having drop seizures (sometimes followed by gelastic) almost every night. When not in his safe space (bed), either I catch him as he falls (nearby by accident / fate/ luck) or he falls backward into walls, floors, doors, and one time, into the tub/shower. He hits his head every time, and often gets scratches or cuts on his back.

He crushed a little shelf (pic to left) set in the bathroom as he fell onto it. Luckily, it had held only his "night-timies" ... overnight disposable underwear, extra tp, etc. Sooo glad he doesn't close the bathroom door because his body would have blocked me from getting to him. (As a reminder, we hung a long blackout curtain over the doorway so <1> he can have privacy, and <2> I can get to him.)

And I have either the flu or a nasty cold. Cough, fever, migraine, nausea/vomiting. Either way, I am laid up. Mostly.

Will post more when I can.

Thanks. Vikki

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#ThatPurpleMomcom

#gelasticseizures

#uterinecancer

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Weslee needs more brain surgeries for his seizures. To help, please like, follow and share... PLUS .. please go to his Medical GoFundMe or to our Paypal ... AND please visit my etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/VikkiLawrenceShop ..

For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

Nov 12: Back Home from Hospital

This slide show (sorry I can't slow it down) shows from early on Sunday, 11/9/25 through late afternoon on Tuesday, 11/11/25. Many challenges during this time... health and otherwise.

So glad Weslee and I are home. Hospital beds and the 'guest bed' (couch) are so uncomfortable. Once discharged, Weslee and I went to pharm, came home, ate, I started laundry and gave a seizure rescue med to Weslee, then we chilled until bedtime.

Today, I awoke in severe pain. They had sent me home with meds for infection, spasms and pain. The pain pills are very weak so staying in bed for today, unable to really function.

Despite hating their beds, the constant taking of vitals, and the ongoing evaluation of my eyesight (awoke with severe double vision on Monday), I believe we (I) would have benefitted from an extra day there.

Weslee's seizures are a mess. He has already taken an extra seizure med this morning because they (the little / simple partial seizures) were hindering his rational thinking skills. Glad I stopped by the pharmacy on the way home last night. Weslee now has enough rescue nose sprays for the month. I hope.

#ThatPurpleMomcom

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

Nov 10: Waiting

The pics says it all.

Last night ...

Weslee is having a lot of tiny seizures this morning. Glad I brought his rescue meds.

This morning ...

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

Nov 9: Checked in at Hospital

The last 10 days have been difficult, frustrating, painful and sped by much too fast. I will catch up on what happened when I can.

Meanwhile, I checked in at a hospital just a bit ago. Am in my room, but I don't have my IV etc yet. The plan is to take blood for CBC, get an infusion (or 2) of platelets today/tonight, then get the surgery tomorrow. Home probably on Wednesday, depending on bleeding.

Weslee is just chilling. Still gonna have to Doordash his food about once a day, but he has enough to keep him occupied.

He has had a lot of seizures lately. I am worried about him but at least he is safe here with me. No possibility of tumbling down the stairs or crashing into a bed.

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

Oct 30: Beyond Frustrated

Not sure how much more I can take. Listen for 3:44 min to get the gist.

Thank you. Vikki and son, Weslee

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WESLEE'S birthday is almost here. He loves almost anything Spiderman. Size Men's Medium (USA).

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

Oct 27: Surgery on Day 2 in Hosp

Yes, same
shirt. Very
little prep
and grab time.

Rough night in the hospital. Couldn't eat, drink or sleep. Surgery was expected in the morning. THIS morning. Monday.

While in E.R., they found a huge kidney stone that had been growing for a while. It had moved into a position where it began to kill me by pain. (Horrible joke). The urologist and hematologist were looped in as well as the hospital's night doctor, an endocrinologist and who knows who else.

The urologist, after consulting, getting more tests done, etc, did a quick procedure. Not sure it's formal name but they put a stent going from the stone to the 'exit'.

After about a week or two, I will get platelets and plasma, then the next day will get the last surgery... where he will use a laser to PEW PEW the stone then push it out? Last part is unclear. Was going under anesthesia at the time.

So meanwhile, I will continue to be in pain. Will meet with a specialist to temporarily take care of the uterine cancer. And will push fluids, take care of Weslee (and me!) and just take it easy.

Thank you...Vikki (and Weslee)

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WESLEE'S birthday is almost here. He loves almost anything Spiderman. Size Men's Medium (USA).

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

Oct 26: Back in Hospital

Really brief ... I started out the day okay, but by mid-morning, my side started hurting. By evening, I couldn't function as the pain had risen to 9 out of 10.

I called my elder sister who drove over to pick up Weslee and me. Dropped us off at Emergency Dept. I had a feeling that I would be admitted, so we brought Weslee's weekly pill container, chargers and a few other things.

That was around 8 p.m. It is now almost midnight. Will go into more details in my next post.

Vikki

P.s. While dealing with a massive wave of pain tonight, Weslee had a nasty seizure, and fell backward. Hit his head. Arghhhh!!!!

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

Oct 24: Worn Down and Out

In my last post, Weslee had just begun having more seizures. That was Wednesday night. For the next 36 hours or so, I dealt with waves of seizures from him, barely getting a chance for him to do anything more than listen to YouTube videos. Neither one of us got any writing done.

I was exhausted by last night. Run down and worn out.

It is now Friday, after noon, and I'm going back to bed. Weslee's seizures have calmed a little bit, but unfortunately, I seem to have picked up a bug. I'm achy all over with a runny nose and a slight fever. Sore throat.

I am bundled under three massive comforters, and am in my Winter flannel p.j.'s with fuzzy socks and fingerless gloves.

I just don't feel good at all.

Hope I didn't give it to Weslee.

You know when you get sick with the flu or really bad cold and you can't really sleep a solid sleep because ... you just can't? That was me last night. So here it is about 1:00 p.m., and I'm going back to bed.

I really really hope that Weslee will have a wonderful, calm and seizure-free Friday.

So far, so good.

Thank you.

Vikki

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

Oct 22: Wine Glass Charms plus Seizure

While assembling my Halloween Wine Glass Charms (yes, I am late), my son had a seizure. A short singular gelastic seizure. I had barely set up the project space whrn the seizure happened, but it shows a typical "craft situation". Interruptions.

I noticed that I sigh a lot, or breathe deeply. When I recordered this vid, I was having troubles breathing, plus also had shaking hands and heart flutters. I'm falling apart over here!

#thatpurplemomcom #wineglasscharms
#wesleeseizures #gelasticseizure
#2025projects

Thank you.

Vikki

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

OCT 12: Another Cancer Diagnosis

I don't usually give a lot of personal in-depth info about me, but I need to this time.

TECHNICAL / EMBARRASSING DEETS:

I bit the bullet. Finally told Weslee that recently I was diagnosed with another cancer. UTERINE Pre-Cancer. This is the third cancer that I have gotten since 2016.

...and delayed telling him because I was trying to wrap my head around it.

Reproductive Health Discussed ...

I had been bleeding a little bit over the last 3 years. Not often and not a lot. Spotting. NOT menopause because that was over and done with ages ago.

But over the next couple of years, the spotting increased in frequency and, um, saturation. I was basically peeing blood.

Bit the bullet. Went for lots of tests. Urology ... bladder? Nope. Kidney? No but I do have kidney stones (yeah, I'll get right on that) but that didn't cause this.

Couldn't get into my hepatologist (I have an unrelated liver disease).

My gynocologist did some office visit tests, then set up an exploratory surgery. Couldn't do it because my platelets were too low (the part of the blood that clumps). Got a platelet infusion. Didn't help so surgery postponed. Tried again about 3-4 weeks ago and even though my platelets were still too low, they felt the need outweighed the risk went ahead with the surgery, with platelets at the ready.

Disgnosis within a week. Pre-cancer, uterus. Didn't get it all. There are several types of cancer involving the uterus. My conversation is a blur but I think she said it was an endometrial cancer.

"Oh, and btw, you need to meet the gynocological oncologist immediately."

Met with him within a week. Wants to do a hysterectomy asap but my platelets are still too frigging low. (At least the surgery will be done locally; friends and family can help Weslee take care of me. One of my sisters will even try to fly in from Europe.)

My appt with the liver doc is in April. Meanwhile, will try home remedies to get my platelets from 24 to 80 or so.

...And what I do NOT like thinking about is it is finally time to get off my busy butt and make arrangements for Weslee for when I'm gone. Whether I'm here for another 6 months or another 6 years or another 16 years, I need to make these arrangements.

My sisters and friends can't take care of him. Who does that leave?

That also includes making sure that I get him his next brain surgeries, set up a guardianship for him, etc. He can never live alone.

That is where I am at.

One more thing: I recently found another lump in my breast.

Lucky me, right?

Enough, already!

Vikki

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

OCT 8: Forces of Progression

I swear ... One step forward, nine backward.

Glad to be home from the hospital but the 'complications' from the surgical procedure I had a few weeks ago that made me go to the E.R. and be admitted last week are back.
Weslee really didn't have many seizures while we were there (nearly 3 days) but is making up for it now. Nearly fell down the stairs last night. I hereby declare (picture me with a stern voice, minus this ridiculous Southern accent): our next place will have NO .. ZERO .. ZIP .. NADA stairs. Safer for him, and easier on my back (from catching him).
Can't believe my baby will turn **29** !!! in a few weeks. Yesterday I warned him that money is very tight and to not expect many presents this year. He put a few things in the Amazon cart: Season 1 of a show he really likes, and a new case for his Fire Tablet. I usually get him a new tablet and/or laptop for Christmas but he has dropped so many this year (yet another 'benefit' of epilepsy), I can't see spending the money.
I need a lifesaving surgery within the next six months or so but surgeons won't do it until my platelets increase to where I won't bleed out on the table. I get my numbers checked on Friday. No matter what they are, I need to take steps to increase them. My baby Weslee needs his mama.

I have more to say but am tired. Gonna read for a few while listening to music, then go to sleep.

Thanks for reading. Enjoy your lives.

Vikki

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

OCT 6: Projects That WERE On Back Burner

This vid was taken a couple of days after I was discharged from nearly 3 days at the hospital.

Still not at 100% but doing better. Good enough to at least THINK about my projects... like the Under The Sea world... need to very lightly cover the water portion with green/aqua-tinted resin, and the seashore needs another layer of Tampa sand mixed with gold glitter. Plus.. earrings like those bats need assembling.

So much to do. So tired.

#ThatPurpleMomcom #resinart #underthesea #mermaidart #tampasand #cosmos #HalloweenJewelry #batJewelry

Vikki

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

OCT 3: Home at Last

The first pic is from early this morning when they had to replace my IV line that had slipped out. Glad we didn't need it!

The second pic taken later today shows where the previous attempts and IVs were. Note the bruises already forming.

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We are home from the hospital... finally!! Nearly 3 days seems like weeks when you are fighting a health situation.

Came home with a drug that I have to take for 5 days, and a check-in with my oncologist/ hematologist next Friday. I have big hopes.

Weslee is sooo happy to be home. Barely had any seizures while we were gone. Hmmm... gets me thinking... is there something here at home that could be causing his increased seizures? Or was it that he got out of his head and put me first more than usual. I couldn't be the ever vigilant mom/care-giver while there so...

Will watch closely.

Vikki

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

OCT 2: Still at Hospital

I am still at the hospital, with my son Weslee, of course. They are still doing tests and put together a team to try to figure me out.

Weslee is doing a decent job of being good (remember: 28 going on 12), considering how bored he is. And has not had any seizures except absense. Thankful for that.

Hoping to go home tomorrow, Friday.

I want my own bed.

#unexpectedhospitalstay
#uterinecancer

Vikki

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

OCT 1: At Hospital

Complications from my (Vikki) surgery a few weeks ago. Or could be something entirely different.

Went to E.R. where they admitted me. Oh what fun. Trying to figure it out.

Vikki

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For Weslee's regular and daily needs, please visit: Weslee Lawrence's Needs (WalMart) List. Thank you.

SEPT 30: Complications

Just a quick note.

I am having complications from the surgery a few weeks ago. Weslee tries to care for me, but his seizures can really divert his thoughts and intentions. Swiss cheese memory and all that.

Just, please, keep us in your thoughts.

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Sept 16: W Doc Appt

Took Weslee to see our PCP to discuss his weight loss. (He had lost another 10 pounds).

There are a few reasons:

Looks like W just doesn't feel like eating.
Not much sounds good.
He wanted to change things up. Sooo bored.
And in the video... my health concerns were scaring him

PCP says keep up with the multivitamin, and get at least protein and calories in him, even if it is ice cream. He says he will eat again.. and he is, a little.

I guess he has a lot of ice cream in his future Chocolate Chop Cookie Dough.

He did eat a a bowl of cereal today (Wednesdsy)

As a side note, I now have a diagnosis, and isn't good. Referred to specialist, with 1st appointment next week.

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Weslee needs more brain surgeries for his seizures. To help, please like, follow and share .. PLUS .. please go to his Medical GoFundMe or to ou Paypal ... and our etsy shop is www.etsy/shop/VikkiLawrenceshop .. Thank you

Sept 15: Struggle

TRIGGER WARNING

I have been putting off writing this. I didn't want to open up our lives up completely to anyone, and never promised to.

But I need to (kinda) now, because I am struggling. Major big-time "I am so lost" outta-options struggle.

I am quite ill. I had exploratory surgery this past Friday. They nearly postponed it again because my platelets are still quite low. We discussed the pros and cons, and decided the need to get a diagnosis was greater than waiting for my platelets to come up another 19 points, or the possibility of me bleeding out. Am waiting for results of biopsies.

That is me. In pain. Still bleeding from surgery. Dizzy. Overwhelmed.

On to Weslee. His weight is still plummeting. He won't eat barely at all... not even his fave foods. He gets super angry when I even suggest he grab something. Says he feels out of fuel, and then gets pissed off when I logically explain fuel comes from food. I made him a doc appt for tomorrow; will tell him tomorrow.

Meanwhile, it is possible that this is his way of self-ending his life. Maybe the constant seizures are taking a toll. Maybe he doesn't want to see me die. Maybe he needs more control over .. anything. Maybe he just doesn't care anymore.

I don't know.

And I am struggling to not give in to my own demons.

Aug 29: LAUNCH POSTPONED

Ever had a migraine so bad that you just want to stay still and not even blink? But you have to because someone is counting on you, so you do what you can.

Between that and my bleeding situation (low platelets, iron and white blood cell count), and little chest pains, well, I feel for my kiddo. Mostly alone today.

Thankfully he isnt having too many of the bigger seizures. Glad he is feeling much better, breathing-wise. Weslee is doing his thing... writing a story and watching vids. Will try to get him dinner in a little bit.

So ... I haven't had the wherewithall to get the store ready for a specific launch (to raise money for medical bills and Weslee's next brain surgeries). Will post items on etsy when I can.

(Pic shows earrings, journals, dinosaur egg, and shaker paperclips.)

www.etsy.com/shop/VikkiLawrenceShop

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Weslee needs more brain surgeries for his seizures. To help, please like, follow and share .. PLUS .. please go to his Medical GoFundMe or to our Paypal ... Thank you.

Aug 2: Overall Update

I know, I know. It's been a while so thought I would do a little update about several topics.

Temperature Too Hot: (See July 28 posting). We got the little a/c units but they only work half the time. Trying to return them thru Amazon but frustratingly, not getting a response. Will keep on trying.

I have an electric cooler that I bought last year to use as a fridge during hospital stays. It is insulated (see 2nd pic) so I figured plugged in would be too cold. I experimented. Satisfied with the results, I started keeping ALL of his meds in it. It's a tight squeeze but necessary.

My Surgery: Still waiting on getting approval for the special medicine to bring up my iron and platelet levels. They won't do my exploratory surgery without my levels increased so I don't bleed out on the table. Medicine and insurance move slower than snails!

Weslee and an Overall Physical: (See Jul 23 posting). He had been having some minor complaints about various things, so I took him to his GP. No diabetes, platelets and other various blood components all look good. Gotta watch his headaches (still has a shunt [I call it a brain drain] and it is still working and in the right place.)

Oh, and get this. His last appointment was December 2024. Between then and now, he lost 40 pounds. FORTY!!

Weslee and His Epilepsy: He continues to have both good days and bad. Clusters of the various types of seizures. Aggrevation leading to tantrums leading to outbursts of seizures.

He does seem to have a lot more of those little seizures even before he opens his eyes in the morning. He is taking a rescue drug nearly every morning (doc okayed it).

His next epileptologist appointment isn't until November. That is a WHOLE LOT of seizure-filled mornings.

I really wish the VNS (vagus nerve stimulator) worked on him.

The Cleveland Clinic is keeping Weslee's file open for if when we find funding for a vehicle to get us there and back.

Plan for the Nearby Future: Because of my increasing medical situations, I need to plan for "just in case" but am having some difficulties. While I do have 2 and a half sisters, no one can take on Weslee. My best friend is in her 70s (I think) and can't do it either.

My husband doesn't get along with my son (they are not bio related).

I **am** his POA (Power of Attorney). I can legally make decisions for him but this doesn't work regarding long term plans, and/or what I want to happen when I am gone.

Seriously, no one I know can and is willing to become Weslee's guardian. I have no extra money to put towards a group home, and our combined income is $60 over the requirement. That same $60 prevents Medicaid and other things that could help.

So what do other people do when they have a special needs adult kid who is mentally preteen and there is no one in the family to help?

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Weslee needs more brain surgeries for his seizures. To help, please like, follow and share .. PLUS .. please go to his Medical GoFundMe or to our Paypal ... Thank you.

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