Hi again. It’s still Elyse here.

My mom is at an acute physical rehab facility called California Rehabilitation Institute.

She was at UCLA hospital from Friday, April 17th through Wednesday, April 22nd before moving over to CRI. She’s been in a lot of pain and has had a very difficult time moving her legs on her own, so the doctors felt she needed physical rehab before she could safely come home. They ran a myriad of tests and determined the pain is from the agressive treatment she’s had to fight the tumor that was in her pelvis. The doctors have told me that pelvic cancers are notoriously extremely painful and leave a lot of scar tissue as the tumor shrinks. They are positive this will resolve over time with strong pain management and physical therapy. That’s a lot easier said than done when you’re the patient in extreme pain.

There are bad days and better days. I speak to her everyday. It’s really horrible that I can’t see her. This has taken a huge mental and emotional toll on her, in addition to the physical toll. She’s such a strong, independent, in control person, that having to rely on others and give up so much control has been very, very difficult. My mom likes things her way and, unfortunately, things don’t always go your way in the hospital. If you know my momma, you know ;).

She called me this afternoon and was in better spirits than I’ve heard her all week. She had some physical therapy today and she said she was feeling, “pretty good.” Considering where we’ve been these last few weeks, I’ll take it.

The care she’s getting at CRI is the same as in the hospital at UCLA, but the focus here is on PT and OT. We are very hopeful that her leg pain can be managed and she can continue getting stronger with physical therapy. Typically, CRI requires a patient to agree to 3 hours of physical therapy a day, but with covid 19 they’ve relaxed their admissions in order to move people out of the hospital sooner. Usually with 3 hours of PT a day, patients leave in about 2 weeks. With the relaxed standards, they are giving as much OT and PT as the patient can tolerate. We’re praying she can tolerate a good amount each day and be back home in about 2 weeks. Only time will tell.

This has been a major setback. To say this past week and a half has been difficult would be the understatement of my life. This is not easy. She’s dealing with a lot of really difficult stuff right now, but she’s such a force. I pray we’re all home together soon.

I know it’s lonely for her without visitors, so if you’re able to comment here on the blog, send her an email, or a text, I know it will make it a little easier for her. She might not respond, but knowing people are thinking of her could really boost her mood. I have the beautiful cards you’ve sent since she’s been gone, and I will make sure she sees them.

If you would like to send flowers or cards directly to her during her stay, the address is:

California Rehabilition Institute

Attn: Victoria Condos (8th floor)

2070 Century Park East

Los Angeles, CA 90067

Most importantly, please keep my mom and our family in your thoughts. We thrive on your well wishes. It’s so comforting to me, and I know it helps my mom keep fighting when she sees your love. Thank you for all the love, prayers, healing energy, and positive vibes you’ve sent so far! Please keep sending them! She needs them!

Elyse