Guest guest Posted July 27, 2008 Report Share Posted July 27, 2008 Dear Dena- LBD leaves us with such an unnatural ending. We find ourselves grieving over someone we can still look in the eyes. Then when they pass the grieving starts all over again and it is so bittersweet. Your signature has always tugged at my heart with the words " mother existing with LBD " ...it is so true. There is a stage they hit where " existing " explains it all. You are in my heart, my thoughts, and my prayers. May peace be with you and your mom. Huge hugs- Sandie Des Moines, IA dad, Merle, passed from LBD 9-20-02, age 65 -- Dena LEAVITT wrote: Hi Everyone I wanted to let you all know that I believe that my mom is in her final leg of the race. I don't post very often, but I will try to bring you all up to speed quickly. My mom began hallucinations in June 2004. She began Aricept in July 2004 and was able to continue to live alone until May 2005. I found her on her kitchen one morning totally disorientated and took her to Dr. She was admitted for 4 days and released to me. I quit my job and moved my mom into my home with my family (husband, two kids). She lived with us for 10 months. She was placed on Hospice and all of her drugs were removed abruptly. She then began to lose herself. She slipped farther and farther away. Then after 3 weeks she could no longer communicate at all with anyone and stopped walking or even trying to walk. She was bedridden and I just simply could not care for her any longer. We admitted her to a Nursing Home as she had several pressure wounds. She lived there for the next 2 years and 4 months (at over $5,800 monthly) I recently moved her to a wonderful Residential Care Home. She seems totally at peace. She sleeps most of the time and after 6 or so days she began to slow down on her eating. She is now hardly taking a slip of water and when she does get some food in her mouth it just sits there. She does not try to chew or swallow. It has been a downhill progress since she got her peace back. I believe that she has been in turmoil for the last 2 years and 4 months and is finally feeling like she is home and can relax again. She was like this at my house when I moved her too. If I had only know what I know now! My mother has only been a shell of the person she once was from years now. It is like her soul went to heaven years ago and only the body was left behind. I have been grieving and missing her all this time. Her passing will be very difficult, yet a huge blessing at the same time. My heart is so heavy tonight. I will miss her deeply, I already do. Dena in SoCal Mother (85) Existing with LBD in Residential Care Home ------------------------------------ Welcome to LBDcaregivers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Hi, Dena, You are so right - it is an awful thing to go through. My heart pains for you that you have to go through this. I will be keeping you and your mom in my thoughts and prayers. Much love, Piper **************Get fantasy football with free live scoring. Sign up for FanHouse Fantasy Football today. (http://www.fanhouse.com/fantasyaffair?ncid=aolspr00050000000020) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Dena, We will be thinking of you. Hugs, Donna R Caregave for Mom (after I brought her from WI to MI) for 3 years and 4th year in a nh. She was almost 89 when she died in '02. No dx other than mine. Dena's Mom Hello Everyone I wanted to give my best wishes for safe travels to Ann Arbor. I had originally thought that I would be joining you, but God had a different idea. My prayers are with Sandie also. I am praying that she does as she should and if she is to go to the Gathering that she has a safe, healthy trip there. My mom is Actively Dying now. We decided to call Hospice in. Amazing after Kaiser told me she could only use them they have contracted her out to a different agency. Actually I think it is a lot of paper work and we won't get much out of it. My mom has had no food or water since Sunday. About 4 days now. She had really slowed down on the amount of food she was eating before that too. My heart is stretched a million miles right now. I feel anxious and a little nauseated. It is just an awful thing to go through. I have done this before with my Dad. My mom does seem peaceful. She is unresponsive now and just looks like she is sleeping, but with labored breathing. I just wanted it over for her yet, I am going to hate to lose her too. I spend much of the day there, but I am sleeping in my bed at night. She just does not seem ready yet. I am headed back shortly. So you all have a safe trip. Wish I could be there. Sandie, you take care of yourself too. Dena in SoCal Mother (85) Existing with LBD in Residential Care Home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Dena, We will be thinking of you. Hugs, Donna R Caregave for Mom (after I brought her from WI to MI) for 3 years and 4th year in a nh. She was almost 89 when she died in '02. No dx other than mine. Dena's Mom Hello Everyone I wanted to give my best wishes for safe travels to Ann Arbor. I had originally thought that I would be joining you, but God had a different idea. My prayers are with Sandie also. I am praying that she does as she should and if she is to go to the Gathering that she has a safe, healthy trip there. My mom is Actively Dying now. We decided to call Hospice in. Amazing after Kaiser told me she could only use them they have contracted her out to a different agency. Actually I think it is a lot of paper work and we won't get much out of it. My mom has had no food or water since Sunday. About 4 days now. She had really slowed down on the amount of food she was eating before that too. My heart is stretched a million miles right now. I feel anxious and a little nauseated. It is just an awful thing to go through. I have done this before with my Dad. My mom does seem peaceful. She is unresponsive now and just looks like she is sleeping, but with labored breathing. I just wanted it over for her yet, I am going to hate to lose her too. I spend much of the day there, but I am sleeping in my bed at night. She just does not seem ready yet. I am headed back shortly. So you all have a safe trip. Wish I could be there. Sandie, you take care of yourself too. Dena in SoCal Mother (85) Existing with LBD in Residential Care Home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Oh, Dena, I really feel for you. The dread of it all, and yet the relief. Sometimes I wonder at the strength we need to get through these ordeals, but know that your mother's ordeal is almost at it's end, and her peace is in sight. God will hold her hand through it, and he will also hold yours. , wife and cg of Fisher, aged 70. Once a strong and vibrant man. Diagnosed in July of 2008, but well into it by now. > > Hello Everyone > > I wanted to give my best wishes for safe travels to Ann Arbor. I had originally thought that I would be joining you, but God had a different idea. > > My prayers are with Sandie also. I am praying that she does as she should and if she is to go to the Gathering that she has a safe, healthy trip there. > > My mom is Actively Dying now. We decided to call Hospice in. Amazing after Kaiser told me she could only use them they have contracted her out to a different agency. Actually I think it is a lot of paper work and we won't get much out of it. My mom has had no food or water since Sunday. About 4 days now. She had really slowed down on the amount of food she was eating before that too. My heart is stretched a million miles right now. I feel anxious and a little nauseated. It is just an awful thing to go through. I have done this before with my Dad. My mom does seem peaceful. She is unresponsive now and just looks like she is sleeping, but with labored breathing. I just wanted it over for her yet, I am going to hate to lose her too. I spend much of the day there, but I am sleeping in my bed at night. She just does not seem ready yet. I am headed back shortly. So you all have a safe trip. Wish I could be there. Sandie, you take care of yourself too. > > Dena in SoCal > Mother (85) Existing with LBD in Residential Care Home > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Dena, What can I possibly say other than I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers and sending you both strength. May your mom's passing be painless and peaceful. Courage Dena's Mom Hello Everyone I wanted to give my best wishes for safe travels to Ann Arbor. I had originally thought that I would be joining you, but God had a different idea. My prayers are with Sandie also. I am praying that she does as she should and if she is to go to the Gathering that she has a safe, healthy trip there. My mom is Actively Dying now. We decided to call Hospice in. Amazing after Kaiser told me she could only use them they have contracted her out to a different agency. Actually I think it is a lot of paper work and we won't get much out of it. My mom has had no food or water since Sunday. About 4 days now. She had really slowed down on the amount of food she was eating before that too. My heart is stretched a million miles right now. I feel anxious and a little nauseated. It is just an awful thing to go through. I have done this before with my Dad. My mom does seem peaceful. She is unresponsive now and just looks like she is sleeping, but with labored breathing. I just wanted it over for her yet, I am going to hate to lose her too. I spend much of the day there, but I am sleeping in my bed at night. She just does not seem ready yet. I am headed back shortly. So you all have a safe trip. Wish I could be there. Sandie, you take care of yourself too. Dena in SoCal Mother (85) Existing with LBD in Residential Care Home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Dena, What can I possibly say other than I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers and sending you both strength. May your mom's passing be painless and peaceful. Courage Dena's Mom Hello Everyone I wanted to give my best wishes for safe travels to Ann Arbor. I had originally thought that I would be joining you, but God had a different idea. My prayers are with Sandie also. I am praying that she does as she should and if she is to go to the Gathering that she has a safe, healthy trip there. My mom is Actively Dying now. We decided to call Hospice in. Amazing after Kaiser told me she could only use them they have contracted her out to a different agency. Actually I think it is a lot of paper work and we won't get much out of it. My mom has had no food or water since Sunday. About 4 days now. She had really slowed down on the amount of food she was eating before that too. My heart is stretched a million miles right now. I feel anxious and a little nauseated. It is just an awful thing to go through. I have done this before with my Dad. My mom does seem peaceful. She is unresponsive now and just looks like she is sleeping, but with labored breathing. I just wanted it over for her yet, I am going to hate to lose her too. I spend much of the day there, but I am sleeping in my bed at night. She just does not seem ready yet. I am headed back shortly. So you all have a safe trip. Wish I could be there. Sandie, you take care of yourself too. Dena in SoCal Mother (85) Existing with LBD in Residential Care Home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Dena, What can I possibly say other than I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers and sending you both strength. May your mom's passing be painless and peaceful. Courage Dena's Mom Hello Everyone I wanted to give my best wishes for safe travels to Ann Arbor. I had originally thought that I would be joining you, but God had a different idea. My prayers are with Sandie also. I am praying that she does as she should and if she is to go to the Gathering that she has a safe, healthy trip there. My mom is Actively Dying now. We decided to call Hospice in. Amazing after Kaiser told me she could only use them they have contracted her out to a different agency. Actually I think it is a lot of paper work and we won't get much out of it. My mom has had no food or water since Sunday. About 4 days now. She had really slowed down on the amount of food she was eating before that too. My heart is stretched a million miles right now. I feel anxious and a little nauseated. It is just an awful thing to go through. I have done this before with my Dad. My mom does seem peaceful. She is unresponsive now and just looks like she is sleeping, but with labored breathing. I just wanted it over for her yet, I am going to hate to lose her too. I spend much of the day there, but I am sleeping in my bed at night. She just does not seem ready yet. I am headed back shortly. So you all have a safe trip. Wish I could be there. Sandie, you take care of yourself too. Dena in SoCal Mother (85) Existing with LBD in Residential Care Home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Dear Dena,   My thoughts and prayers are with you as your dear mom wins her battle.Your story has moved me me throughout and I pray that I can be to my mom what you have been all along for your dear mom.Please know your being thought of in this very dificult time.sincere heartfelt hugs to you and your family,  Ron Dena's Mom Hello Everyone I wanted to give my best wishes for safe travels to Ann Arbor. I had originally thought that I would be joining you, but God had a different idea. My prayers are with Sandie also. I am praying that she does as she should and if she is to go to the Gathering that she has a safe, healthy trip there. My mom is Actively Dying now. We decided to call Hospice in. Amazing after Kaiser told me she could only use them they have contracted her out to a different agency. Actually I think it is a lot of paper work and we won't get much out of it. My mom has had no food or water since Sunday. About 4 days now. She had really slowed down on the amount of food she was eating before that too. My heart is stretched a million miles right now. I feel anxious and a little nauseated. It is just an awful thing to go through. I have done this before with my Dad. My mom does seem peaceful. She is unresponsive now and just looks like she is sleeping, but with labored breathing. I just wanted it over for her yet, I am going to hate to lose her too. I spend much of the day there, but I am sleeping in my bed at night. She just does not seem ready yet. I am headed back shortly. So you all have a safe trip. Wish I could be there. Sandie, you take care of yourself too. Dena in SoCal Mother (85) Existing with LBD in Residential Care Home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Dena: This is such a very hard time for those who are watching and waiting, but we know she is on the journey to peace. Prayers are with you as you go through the final hours. June C. > > Subject: Re: Dena's Mom > To: LBDcaregivers > Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 8:43 AM > Dear Dena, >   My thoughts and prayers are with you as your dear mom > wins her battle.Your story has moved me me throughout and I > pray that I can be to my mom what you have been all along > for your dear mom.Please know your being thought of in this > very dificult time.sincere heartfelt hugs to you and your > family,  Ron > > > > Dena's Mom > > Hello Everyone > > I wanted to give my best wishes for safe travels to Ann > Arbor. I had originally thought that I would be joining > you, but God had a different idea. > > My prayers are with Sandie also. I am praying that she does > as she should and if she is to go to the Gathering that she > has a safe, healthy trip there. > > My mom is Actively Dying now. We decided to call Hospice > in. Amazing after Kaiser told me she could only use them > they have contracted her out to a different agency. > Actually I think it is a lot of paper work and we won't > get much out of it. My mom has had no food or water since > Sunday. About 4 days now. She had really slowed down on the > amount of food she was eating before that too. My heart is > stretched a million miles right now. I feel anxious and a > little nauseated. It is just an awful thing to go through. > I have done this before with my Dad. My mom does seem > peaceful. She is unresponsive now and just looks like she > is sleeping, but with labored breathing. I just wanted it > over for her yet, I am going to hate to lose her too. I > spend much of the day there, but I am sleeping in my bed at > night. She just does not seem ready yet. I am headed back > shortly. So you all have a safe trip. Wish I could be > there. Sandie, you take care of yourself too. > > Dena in SoCal > Mother (85) Existing with LBD in Residential Care Home > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Dena my thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom for this difficult time, and afterward. We all know we're be where you are, eventually, but I don't know that we can ever prepare for it. In my heart, I'm sitting with you and holding your hand... His, Sherry www.owly.net daughter of , (mis?)diagnosed with AD in 2005, descent slowed by Aricept; diagnosed with LBD March 2008, in a wonderful NH 1/2 mile from my house. We're learning to live with Lewy... ----- Original Message ----- > My mom is Actively Dying now. We decided to call Hospice in. Amazing after > Kaiser told me she could only use them they have contracted her out to a > different agency. Actually I think it is a lot of paper work and we won't > get much out of it. My mom has had no food or water since Sunday. About 4 > days now. She had really slowed down on the amount of food she was eating > before that too. My heart is stretched a million miles right now. I feel > anxious and a little nauseated. It is just an awful thing to go through. I > have done this before with my Dad. My mom does seem peaceful. She is > unresponsive now and just looks like she is sleeping, but with labored > breathing. I just wanted it over for her yet, I am going to hate to lose > her too. I spend much of the day there, but I am sleeping in my bed at > night. She just does not seem ready yet. I am headed back shortly. So you > all have a safe trip. Wish I could be there. Sandie, you take care of > yourself too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 31, 2008 Report Share Posted July 31, 2008 Hi Dena, Thinking of you and your Mom during this difficult time. I'm in So Cal, too, if you ever need anyone to talk to. Sending you much strength. -Holly > > Hello Everyone > > I wanted to give my best wishes for safe travels to Ann Arbor. I had originally thought that I would be joining you, but God had a different idea. > > My prayers are with Sandie also. I am praying that she does as she should and if she is to go to the Gathering that she has a safe, healthy trip there. > > My mom is Actively Dying now. We decided to call Hospice in. Amazing after Kaiser told me she could only use them they have contracted her out to a different agency. Actually I think it is a lot of paper work and we won't get much out of it. My mom has had no food or water since Sunday. About 4 days now. She had really slowed down on the amount of food she was eating before that too. My heart is stretched a million miles right now. I feel anxious and a little nauseated. It is just an awful thing to go through. I have done this before with my Dad. My mom does seem peaceful. She is unresponsive now and just looks like she is sleeping, but with labored breathing. I just wanted it over for her yet, I am going to hate to lose her too. I spend much of the day there, but I am sleeping in my bed at night. She just does not seem ready yet. I am headed back shortly. So you all have a safe trip. Wish I could be there. Sandie, you take care of yourself too. > > Dena in SoCal > Mother (85) Existing with LBD in Residential Care Home > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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