Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We've created it to keep friends and family updated about Marilyn and Jim. Get started by reading the introduction to our website, My Story.
Visit often to read the latest journal entries, visit the photo gallery, and write us a note in our guestbook.
As most of you know, Jim passed away in 2011. We are not using this site for our mother, Marilyn.
As many of you know, Jim was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma over 10 years ago. This was in 2001. Most folks live for 5 year or less by Jim is not "most folks" so exceeded all expectations regarding this illness. He then developed skin cancer and went through radiation treatments, in addition to the chemotherapy for his lymphoma and eventually his body could not tolerate any addition treatment.
Marilyn has cared for Jim at home until Saturday, June 25th. On that morning she passed out in the kitchen and sustained a head injury (note: if you are going to pass out do not go to the kitchen, the most hard-surfaced room in your house). She was admitted to Intensive Care at Sandford Medical Center in Bemidji and had some bleeding in her brain. Jim moved to Havenwood Care Center where he has remained, receiving hospice care and also receiving many visitors.
Marilyn's brain bleed stabilized and she came home on Friday, July 1st. A few days later she started having vision problems and continued to have headaches, fatigue and nausea. She was at home recovering until Saturday, July 9th when she again passed out and was returned to ICU. They did an MRI and found some blood pooled in her brain that is affecting her vision but they expect that will eventually resolve itself. She also tested positive for three tick borne illnesses-Lyme's Disease, anaplasmosis and Babesiosis so has received antibiotics for all of these. She got a neurological consult and some additional testing. Also, tests related to her heart and it turns out that probably the passing out was related to a rapid drop in blood pressure so Thursday they will give her a pacemaker.
Meanwhile, we have disconnected Jim's defibrillator so he will not get shocked when his heart eventually stops. He has asked to visit with Marilyn so today (July 13th) we will take him to visit with her in the hospital.
Today there will be a Celebration of Life Well Lived from 3:30-5:00 at Diamond Point Park Pavilion in Bemidji. This is an informal gathering and all are welcome, masks are required indoors. Marilyn's ashes have been interred next to Jim's in the Greenwood Cemetery. Thanks again for all of your support.
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