I promised earlier in the week to tell you what's going on with my Mom. I took her to the emergency room Monday afternoon, after I couldn't find a single one of her three physicians working or available for an emergency visit. She was severely fatigued and had been for a few days (she is anemic because she has CLL), was extremely short of breath, and had other not-good symptoms. She had been scheduled to get an injection for the anemia the next day, but I figured we could get it in the ER while we were there.
The emergency room was packed - unusually full - and we had to wait to get a room for a long time (almost two hours). Once we finally got to see a doctor, the run of tests started. Many hours later, we learned that they would give her the injection, but no one could figure out the dose. That might have involved several hours more (Mom was ready to die if I didn't get her out of there) while they checked to try to find her hematologist and figure out a dose. They did an x-ray, which concerned me, but not them. The blood work didn't show anything unusual (for her), so they released her. By the time I got a prescription and got her home, there was no one to help me get her inside. She could barely walk at that point. I had to get her in (with my spinal problems, that was a trick), get her to the bathroom, undressed, and into bed. Only then did help arrive - a new caregiver. When I got home, I found two hungry cats! That's why I was exhausted. I got about four hours sleep before I got up to go to work Tuesday.
Meanwhile, I have to take Mom to her regular doctor this morning. Just as I started to recover from the back pain, I'm about to do it all over again. At least the caregiver is coming with me. Mom got her injection Tuesday, but it can take a month, I've read, before EPO makes a difference. I really hope we can get to the bottom of these problems. They are making Mom (and me) very anxious.
Let's talk about beauty, not health care! It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.
Hopefully, I'll have an hour to zip over to one of my favorite stores to see two visiting product representatives today: Dior and Guerlain. I'm not going to the office, so I'd like to sneak in that bit of fun.
Don't forget the Sunday Riley giveaway contest. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, April 14, at midnight.
Update Friday 9:21 pm: After taking Mom to the doctor this morning, we took her to the ER this afternoon. She was admitted and will probably be at the hospital for a few days. I'm glad she's getting "continuous care" to get to the bottom of what's wrong. I just got home, so I was unable to respond to comments today. I must go to sleep, so I will be back with all of you tomorrow. Thank you for your kindness.
Update Saturday at 7:30 pm: Mom is doing OK. She does have a raging UTI. Her sonogram looked good. They are normalizing her blood chemistry. She was able to get up (with help) and sit some today, and she ate a bit of breakfast and dinner (better than nothing!). They will give her a sleeping aid, so she should get some rest tonight. I just came home. Sorry I couldn't write today! I have some nice new things to show you.
Update Sunday at 3:45 pm: Doctors want to know why Mom's sodium chloride values are low, so are bringing in a kidney specialist. Plus, she got "wheezy" today, so they got her a respiratory treatment to help. Must wait until a weekday for more tests and specialists. Sundays in a hospital can be much like a Sundays in a weekday warehouse. They are trying to keep her blood chemistry stable, checking on thyroid levels (she takes Synthroid), and doing all the logical things. Thank you all so much for your support!
Cg, I am so sorry about your mom. I have been there, too, and it doesn't matter how informed we are or how educated we may be, we are never prepared. My prayers are with you. Beauty: I bought another CHANEL 51 Montaigne eye compact. Love it! When I first saw it and used it, not so. Oww, I thought, I hate it and it must go back. Then I relaxed. It was on my eyes, so it was going to remain there at least for the day. And by the time I was ready for bed, I did not want to remove it! I have been using it and loving it ever since. It is a limited edition, hence the spare. Meanwhile, I want to buy that Dr. Perricone eye lid cream you featured yesterday. It sounds perfect.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you and your mother had such a terrible time at the hospital, and I hope you are now both doing better. There is a Judiac concept in called "Mitzvah" which is a commandment but becomes a blessing when fulfilled. Caring for one's mother is of course a mitzvah, as is caring for one who is sick. May your experience come to feel like a blessing of love in time.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, annoint yourself with some fragrant oils (or perfume, an alcohol based alternative) of your choosing.
As for beauty products to recommend. I just came back from the intense beach of western Fla. (visiting my folks after their, much less dramatic, health set backs). I thoroughly reocomend Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 as a face serum when you will be out in the intense sun.
Hi Charlestongirl,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about the tiring, stressful week you and your mom have had. It is difficult seeing loved ones when they are ill. I sincerely hope that she begins to feel better. Though I don't know her, I am confident that she appreciates all the help and support you give her.
In terms of beauty, this weeks was all about lips. I got a new LMdB lipstick in Miami, a very light, almost frosty, pink. I know that description sounds scary, but on the lips it is gorgeous (I mean, it's LMdB - no way they would make something unwearable!) I think it is a lovely color, and I am so happy I took a chance on it.
Speaking of LMdB, I enjoyed watching the makeup demonstration video on Zuneta featuring Mikey Castillo. I love Zuneta videos. I have never ordered anything from them, but I love their website, and I know people rave about their customer service. Even though Rouge Bunny Rouge is now available on BeautyHabit, I may order from Zuneta just because I love their website so much.
I also got a lipcolor from the Pretty Amazing line of Bare Escentuals. I got a sample of these Pretty Amazing lipcolors and enjoyed them, so I decided to order a full-sized one. It is a lipstick that applies like a gloss, and provides a lot of color while maintaining a glossy finish. The color I got was Free Will, and it is a pale pink, peachey-beige. It is opaque, and feels nice on my lips. For $16, what's not to like?
I am excited to start seeing reviews of Guerlain's summer collection. For some reason, the piece that interests me most is the eyeshadow quad. I know people are raving about the bronzer/blusher, but there is something about those eye colors that intrigue me.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Charlestongirl, I am sending positive thoughts and vibes towards you and your mother.
Kate
This is funny, Kate! I preordered the eyeshadow quad, I feel all anxious now that it would look good on me! Keep your fingers crossed for me! LOL
DeleteOops! I meant : it wouldn't look good!:(
DeleteI am so sorry to hear about your mom's emergency care visit! In my opinion if one can survive a day untill your doctor can see you, one should try! I was shocked how things were done( based on my personal experience ) in US emergency rooms. Hope she is feeling better! You are such a trupper! Taking care of her, working and posting new reviews for us! Your energy is amazing!
ReplyDeleteI bought Les Perles by Guerlain! It gives such a beautiful glow to the eyes! So glad I have it! I have been struggling with Chanel's spring eyeshadow quad! It looks sickly or purpley or muddy! Err! When make up requires too much work, I tend to hide it from myself! LOL ! Some things are ment to be easy!
Lena,
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to let us know how the colors look when you get it! I have one of Guerlain's 5 color palettes, and there is a brown/grey color that I am totally obsessed with. It reminds me of the darkest color (liner color) in the new summer quad.
Kate
Hi, I hope your mom feels better soon!
ReplyDeleteI have a beauty question! I saw on NM the new blush kaleidoscope from le metier for pre-sale. And I was wondering if this is the same one was the one that was exclusive to Troy NM. Could you check on it please? I don't have any of them but just wanted to make sure what I'm buying. I saw swatches on your blog and I LOVE it! :)
-Kate
Thanks, everyone. Be back later. We have called an ambulance to take Mom to be admitted to the hospital through the ER. Fearing it's her heart.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlestongirl,
ReplyDeletePlease, please take care of your severely injured back. You're such a trouper and will do whatever you need to do, but you won't be able to help your mom if you're laid up with back pain. Based on what I've learned about you via your blog, I think I speak for everyone when I say that you're obviously a physically, emotionally, and intellectually strong person who has a caring heart and generous spirit. You are surely a blessing to your mom.
As for your mom's despair, the unknown can be so terribly daunting. I hope the doctors will soon have a diagnosis on which she can pin her hopes of treatment and recovery.
Hi Kate and Lena,
I also pre-ordered the Guerlain quad in Capri. The colors are right up my alley. I think anyone who likes the look of "sunset eyes" will gravitate to this one. Time4beauty has some product photos and swatches of Capri. It looks beautiful. Time4beauty is in Russian, but if you go to the tags on the right and click on Guerlain, you'll get the list of Guerlain posts, then just click on the tag for the summer collection. It's the third one down. Daria is a beautiful young woman with chocolate brown eyes. She has one picture where she is actually wearing Capri, but I don't think it's been used in a way that fully realizes the beauty and potential of the quad. For myself, I invision using the quad to create an ombré sunset effect. I can hardly wait!
I've seen more swatches of Armani's summer collection this week. When I first saw swatches of the regular eye palette, I was not particularly interested as the colors were all about misty blue grays. My eyes are a dark, warm green so colors like that just aren't for me. But now that I've seen swatches of the Eye Palette Luxe (the one with the mother of pearl lid), my interest has been dramatically renewed. It is a deeper, warmer representation of the sea; one that is better suited to my coloring and esthetic.
I'm still loving my RA Shines and am going to get a back-up for Mi-Mai. I've been swiping it on every day. Although I flit from product to product and am always attracted to something new, this is a color that I know I'm going to actually go through. I can't remember the last time that happened. I invariably purge things from my collection long before they've been used up. I've been guilty of a lot of makeup misdemeanors in my time, but never pan porn! LOL
It's been raining cats and dogs all morning, but that's all right--April showers being May flowers. I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable weekend.
Dear Charlestongirl,
ReplyDeleteI just read your comment about your mom. Peace, prayers, and a world of positive thoughts go with you.
I'm sad to hear you and your mom are going through this trauma. I am always here for you if you need to talk.
ReplyDeleteDiane
Will pray that they can get to the bottom of the health issue. I'll be praying for your back too.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlestongirl! My thoughts and prayers go with you and your mom in those stressful times: I do hope they'll find a good treatment and she'll recover well!
ReplyDeleteDo be careful too: you need to take care of your poor back!! Courage my friend, all sorts of positive vibes accompany you! Looking forward to reading some better news:-)
Hi CG,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about your mom. I hope she's feeling better soon. Take care of yourself too.
This week I bought the Guerlain RA shine in Mi-Mai based on your and Eileen's recommendation. Can't wait to get it in the mail.
I was also browsing the Neiman Marcus website and saw all of the great new Chantecaille and LMdB products in the New Arrivals section. I immediately ordered the LMdB glosses and nail polish but I'll wait until you feature the Chantecaille and I can see it in person before buying anything. The gel bronzer looks interesting as do the new lip glosses and cream blush.
Take care of yourself and I hope you're able to have a peaceful weekend.
Thank you, Nemo! It's very stressful, as you know, to have to leave your Mom in tha hospital's care. I'm hopeful tonight that the myriad symptoms can be tied to a single cause and fixed.
ReplyDeleteLoving that Chanel! Good for you to buy a spare. It wasn't that expensive, so, good thinking.
Hi Anonymous, Mom is back at the hospital, admitted this time. Hoping they can aggressively treat her and send her home soon.
ReplyDeleteAbout to apply dry oil before I crash. Will use something that smells healing. Thanks!
Thank you, Kate! Will write more to you and all tomorrow. Am about to pitch over after a full day of doctors for Mom.
ReplyDeleteHi Charlestongirl,
ReplyDeleteI hope everything will work out for the best for your mom. Our moms cared for us all these years, now we return the favor, a day at a time.
A little aromatherapy can go a long way to relax you. :)
On a cheery note my new Guerlain Pucci Meteorites are on their way and I'm testing out Black Orchid - it's so strong, I really only need a drop to wear! I also picked up the Dior nude tan powder with its mini kabuki brush that just came out. very nice!
Ah well, wishing everyone a good weekend and an especially positive one for your mother and you.
Sending positive thoughts you and your mom's way. I hope it is all figured out quickly!
ReplyDeleteI read your comment this afternoon, and thought about you and your mother all evening. I just came on to say that my thoughts and wishes are with you both. I'm very glad to see your update on her condition. She's in good hands now, and you need some well-deserved rest.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear that you and your mom have a horrible experience in the ER. I hope that this time with her being admitted to the hospital, she will receive a better tailored care from the specialists. It is such a heavy-hearted experience to see your loved one going through another episode of acute illness. I hope the doctors are able to figure out what's going on and provide your mother the intervention she needs. I wish her for a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteI hope things will resolve today, and your mom will be feeling better. You take care as well!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about your Mom and I'm praying for her, and for you, during all these stresses and illnesses, I know you will be strong for her. Parents always say there's nothing harder than seeing your child ill; well, as a daughter, I know there's nothing harder than seeing an ill parent in the hospital.
ReplyDeleteFace the uncertainty and stress with your amazing lipstick and blush on, and do your aromatherapy as much as you can.
Take care of your self and your mom...peace and prayers, toughdoc.
Hi Charlestongirl.
ReplyDeleteI hope you got sound sleep last night--enough to renew that indomitable spirit of yours. I imagine by the time you read this, you've already been up for hours and have been with your mom. Hopefully, today is the day that brings a diagnosis so you all know what you're facing and how to deal with it.
Charlestongirl, via your blog you've become a friend to readers from around the world. Know now that all of us--your sisters-in-beauty--care deeply for you and wish you and your mom all the best.
Hi Evelyn,
Isn't that Black Orchid something! Just the tiniest dab applied here and there creates a sexy, come-hither veil of scent. I imagine it is way too blatant for some women, but lightly applied, I think it is gorgeous. I tried it at Neiman's before meeting my husband for dinner. He kept commenting on how sexy it was throughout the evening and the next day he bought me--or should I say him--a bottle ;-)
As for the new Dior bronzer, did you get the light shade or the darker one? You'll have to tell us how you like it. Last year's Aurora was a real winner so I've been eager to see what Dior would come up with this year. After purchasing Blonds 02, Sunblonds 04, and pre-ordering the Terra Azzurra, I need another bronzer like I need a hole in my head! In recent years, though, I've come to think of bronzers in the same way that I think about blushers. The time of year, day or night, type of look I'm creating, etc. all influence the bronzer that I choose. So, do tell us how the new Dior wears.
Hope your mom is feeling better and is back home soon! Please take care!
DeleteHi Beautiful Person - You bring so much joy to our days......here's hoping your cares will vanish and that your Mom will be healed and home so very soon. Love, Carolina xoxoo
ReplyDeleteHi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteOh it's a very interesting fragrance and not something I normally wear but I thought I needed something a little seductive to break the innocent flower mold.
For the new Dior bronzer, I picked up Nude tan in #002 (Sunlight). I have Aurora as well which I do like and I would say they are very similar, with 002 being a little lighter with perhaps a hint of warm pink to Aurora's peach. At least that's what my eyes say. Oh and the kabuki brush that comes with the very stylish Dior compact is very cute and nice to use.
I also bought Sunblondes 04 and that's certainly the darkest and most shimmery of the 3, very pretty. I was thinking about the Guerlain one but I'm worried it might be too orange for my skin but we'll see. Chanel's bronzers also look interesting. I bought my first bronzer ever last year and that was it, I'm an addict! I never thought I would like them but I think they are great, used wisely (i.e. no oopma loompas!).
I'll have to play with them when I'm feeling better. Surprise fevers are no fun. Stay healthy!
Glad to hear that your mom is doing better.
ReplyDeleteHello there, I have been following your blog faithfully every day but this is my first comment - I am really sorry about your mother and how hard it must have been for you. Sincerely hope that all is much better now. And I really appreciate all the work you have done for all of us on this blog.
ReplyDeleteBeauty-wise, I love all your reviews, especially those of Le Metier de Beaute cos its so out of reach where I am. Incidentally, is there a new blush kaleidoscope just launched?
Hang in there and take good care of yourself too!
Glad to hear your mom is doing better, don't worry about writing to us, we can keep busy and entertain each other. I have a question to anyone on this board, notice that some of you have preordered the Guerlain Capri eyeshadow, I have not been able to find it and would like to order. Where did you find it? Thank you
ReplyDeleteCharlestongirl, I'm very glad to hear your mother is stable and recovering. You seem to have gotten right back into your blogging stride.
ReplyDeleteEveryone this week is talking about the Guerlain Pucci Terra Azzurra collection. On Friday I was surprised to see everything from it except the glosses and nail polishes already up on Sephora's website. This is good news for those of us who don't want to stalk counters.
Someone asked about the new LMdB blush kaleidoscope on pre-order from Neiman Marcus. Messy Wands confirmed to me on Twitter that it's identical to the Troy, Michigan NM exclusive that was released a while ago.
Speaking of LMdB, this week I got to play with my recently acquired Devotion summer '10 kaleidoscope. It's absolutely stunning! Le Cirque, then my wishlist will be complete. Kaleidoscopes are so much fun to collect.
Thanks, everyone! Your messages have raised my spirits.
ReplyDeleteShe is still in the hospital. I just got her dinner into her. Not much, but at least she ate something. Resting comfy. Tomorrow will get echocardiogram and see a nephrologist. Then maybe they will have all the pieces to figure out how to fix her up.
Creature of Design, I have a photo of that Kaleodoscope for summer, but wrote LMdB to check anyhow.
On the Guerlain, it showed on Sephora when I checked, but was on pre-order. I have to wait anyhow because I pre-ordered on the gift card from BG.
Mary Ann, check my preview and pull the phone for Jason Beers at BG. You can phone order from him. Plus if you spend $200, you'll get a discount.
Thank you, Rita! That Kaleidoscope is likely to be available in May. There have been a few distribution snags recently.
Thanks to you too, Carolina, for writing! You have all been wonderful.
Eileen and Evelyn, Black Orchid. Wow! You two are sirens. :) I'll have to shovel a few samples your way. You can put them in your purse.
Getting ready for the night shift turnover of Mom. See y'all later.
I'm so sorry to read this, hon, I hope that the caregiver is around at more opportune times to help you. It's emotionally and physically draining. My prayers are with you and mom while you go thru all of this. I pray she is better and home soon, and that you get the rest and physical relief you need. <3
ReplyDeleteHey all, the KMdB blush Kaleidoscope for summer is the same as the one that was exclusive to Troy. Confirmed. If you didn't get it then, you'll want to get one soon. They ought to be hitting the counters within the week.
ReplyDelete