Sarah has moved from the hospital

Hello dear friends,

It's been a whirlwind lately. We received less than a day's notice that Sarah was to be discharged from the Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital. The last few days, she's been settling into a nursing home chosen by Sanctuary Hospice (a temporary measure). They happened to have a bed available on short notice. The new location is: Skyline Healthcare and Wellness Center, 3032 Rowena Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90039, Room #12c. We are in the process of activating her cell phone. Her phone number is: (310)779-4461. In the meantime, we are continuing to look for a more uplifted and inspiring environment for Sarah to live, while receiving around the clock care. So many of her friends have prayed for a more suitable situation to manifest, where she is surrounded by the healing power of nature and near people who love her!  Santa Monica is her first choice because of the ocean. We are looking into fundraising in order to fulfill her wishes. Let me know if you would like to help in any way!  Feel free to post on the blog, also. Call Susan/Mark at 310-272-6499. I will try my best to post any new developments.  Sarah sends her love to you all!  Susan

Sarah's direct hospital room phone number

Dear Friends,

Sarah's I phone was misplaced in the hospital. You can call her on her hospital room phone.  Dial 213-413-3000.  It will give you a menu option of numbers.  Dial a  number 1 than number 1 again. It will ask you for the direct number. Dial 6006.  Love to you all.   Susan

Latest news on Sarah's medical expenses

I am so happy to report that the hospital has expedited Sarah's application for Medi-Cal and it has just been approved! This is such a relief for Sarah and the family. Your financial contributions will help to address previous expenses that have not been covered. Once again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. It meant so much. Love, Susan     P.S. Notice that I put another new message up today. See below!

Up Up to Date

 Hello again dear Sarah Nirguna friends,

Sarah is resting at the hospital and stable.  It appears that she will be discharged sometime in the near future. This depends on whether she is willing/able to start walking again. The doctor wants her to begin moving her legs more in the bed and trying to sit up and take a few steps. It's hard when you've been immobile for almost a month. In terms of her release, we are exploring possible nursing homes in the Hollywood/Santa Monica areas.  At present, she needs around the clock medical care. This is the case for now, although, according to the doctor,  if she started walking again,  this would improve her respiratory function, etc. and give her more freedom. Sarah deeply loves nature, so it would be nice if there were a place that could offer this environment. No luck so far. It seems that nature and nursing homes are like oil and water! Medi-Cal will cover the costs (We're still investigating other coverages as well). If any of you could recommend a place, or have any advice along these lines, feel free to share it! Although her home isn't appropriate, it may be possible to have an around the clock nurse in a home-like environment. We're exploring. Much love, Susan

A Message From Sarah Today

My Dearest Ones,

I love you with all my heart! I appreciate your love and the embraces, sweetness, and prayers that you send to me.  Please know that it's not over yet!  I'm alive and kickin'! Please pray for me still, and remember me.  I may have a chance to still be here with you.  You are in my heart, which is one in all.  Every breath I take is yours.  All the beauty I see is yours.  I delight in your presence. If you want to see me, or make a comment on the blog, please do.  I'm pretty pooped out some of the time.  Other times I can be with you.  Your love and prayers keep me afloat. All for now....Sarah Nirguna.

Dec 4 update on Sarah's Health

Sarah is doing well. She recovered quickly from the procedure to remove water build-up from her lung. The doctor moved her back from acute care to the stable floor. Visitors continue to stop by. Amidst the chaos, Sarah is present and enjoying everyone.

Her new room number is 1006 at Presbyterian Hospital on Vermont Ave in Hollywood.

You can reach us by phone at 310-272-6499.

Update on Sarah's Health

Hello dear friends of Sarah Nirguna,

Sarah had two days of palliative chemo (relief of pain and symptoms) and handled it very well with few side effects. There will be a 2 week grace period before the next treatment cycle begins again. Unfortunately, she has extreme water accumulation in her legs and abdomen as a result of the cancer itself and a weak liver. The water build-up in her abdomen constricts her lung/breathing function. Consequently, Sarah is currently bedridden and unable to walk without losing her breath.

We had a scare yesterday when she became breathless after a small meal. This was powerful teaching for all of us on the impermanence and fragility of this life.  She is fine now, temporarily adorning an oxygen mask. The doctor indicated he may need to use a needle to draw out the excess fluid next week.       Hopefully, this will be a simple operation.  Following this incident, Sarah was moved to a different hospital floor for closer, around the clock monitoring. The good news is that her newly prescribed pain medication seems to last longer.  She is more awake and communicative. Intermittent sweet smiles. We'll see.

When we read aloud to Sarah, all of your cards and messages of love, she sometimes puts her hand on her heart and smiles with joy! That's how meaningful it is to her. Her visitors consistently say that being in her room is like being in a temple.  So many have experienced deep peacefulness and equanimity. Even the nurses! I can't put into words how thankful we are for your concern. Lastly, your donations, no matter how much, have been a great blessing to Sarah and continue to ease her mind. They contribute only to the expense of her ongoing care and she knows this. With love and gratitude, Susan and Mark

P.S. We encourage you to leave any message you wish on her blog. We bring the blog to her hospital room to show her. There are more pictures to come! If you have a problem signing your name, as part of the registration-type process at the end, just pick "anonymous". You can put your name at the end of the message itself, just like I did above.

Hello Dear Friends of Sarah

Sarah so deeply appreciates your love for her. It has such a positive effect on her health. The column to the right provides important background information that she wanted to share with you. We will keep you posted as the situation evolves. Love, Mark and Susan (Sarah's sister and brother-in-law)

With Susan and Mark.

With Savatri (Helen) and Chitrakar (Harry).

Reading a Birthday Card