Everything for Mama Lea today.

Thank you for being here. I typed all of this myself, in my own words. Call me only if nothing on this page fits — I'm finally taking a real break.

— Joel

Today

Lea had chemo Monday, so she's extra tired and maybe queasy. Home-health nurse comes around 11am for her magnesium infusion through her port — expected, just let her in. Most important: watch her hands and feet for cramping. Appetite low; small warm foods. She's been a little down — company helps.

The basics

Morning meds with breakfast — AM slots, blue pill box on the counter.
Coffee with lots of milk.
Anti-nausea pill mid-morning if she's queasy.
Small lunch, no rush.
Imodium with meals for the ostomy.
Keep water in reach.
She manages the bathroom, but likes someone near for the hallway.

Watch for

If you see
Hands, feet, or legs cramping or locking up — Magnesium is low.
Then: Keep her calm. Give the half Flexeril tab by her bed. Call the Home-Health nurse.
If it's severe, or she has trouble breathing — call 911.
If you see
Ostomy bag filling fast or watery — She's losing fluids.
Then: Give Imodium if she hasn't had it. Keep her sipping water. If she's dizzy or weak, call the Oncology advice line.
If you see
Nausea, or she can't keep fluids down
Then: Give the anti-nausea pill (PM slot). If she still can't keep water down, call the Oncology advice line.
If you see
Tearful, or says she wants to stop treatment
Then: Just sit with her. Don't argue. Offer her rosary or the Filipino mass. Tell Joel when he's back.

Who to call

Comfort & connection

What to call her: Call her Mama Lea, or Tita Lea.
Food: Warm lugaw when her stomach is off.
Faith: Rosary on the nightstand. EWTN or the Filipino Sunday mass calms her.
Music: Play Basil Valdez or old OPM — she'll sing along.
Photos: The grandkids-and-Cebu photo album lifts her.
Avoid: Rushing her. Cold rooms. Bringing up the cancer unless she does.

Thank you, Shawntae.
You're giving him the break he needs.