Guest guest Posted October 23, 2004 Report Share Posted October 23, 2004 said it best Prayers are ascending. Rick has been amazing through all this. He is so very lucky to have you. Hospice will help you have more quality time together. I wish there were something more I could do to make this easier. You were one of the first ones there for me when Phil was diagnosed. My heart breaks for you It has been a long rough road. God Grant you the serenity you need in the difficult days to follow. God Bless Narice " As long as I know the WHO I can bear any HOW even though I don't know WHY " (Commentary on Job from Dialogue in Despair) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 23, 2004 Report Share Posted October 23, 2004 Good Morning Donna, You are a source of inspiration for all of us. You seem to have such a positive attitude toward all that you face. Your husband is very unfurtunate to have been infected with this evil thing called cancer but he is very lucky to have you! My family is just beginging this journey but it seems before long I too will be in a simular situation and I hope that I have half the strength, bravery and calmness that you do. Many prayers sent your way that GOD will bring peace and comfort to Rick! I am sure that he will bless you with continued calm and strength. Many Prayers, > > Here is an update I have sent to local friends/family this > morning ........ in order to save time, I have just copied it to > my " other " family here. Hope you don't mind. > __________________________________________________________________ > > Just a short note to all our wonderful, supportive > friends/family .................. I know that most of you wish to > know how Rick is doing ............... and have realized that we > don't always answer the phone anymore. I hope you each understand > (and I think you do) that there are just days that it's too hard to > keep up with all the calls .............. but that doesn't mean we > don't appreciate your care and concern. Without that, I'm sure this > situation would have been much, much harder. So, I apologize that > it is sometimes hard to " reach " us. I thought maybe I'd try to use > this " Rick Update " group e-mail format to keep you all > informed ............ as there are more changes taking place now, > and it's easier for me to reach you all this way. > Just to get everyone up to speed .............. Rick hasn't been > doing well for a few months. After purchasing a lift chair a few > weeks ago, it seemed to resolve our problem of him not being able to > stand up from a sitting position. Between that and the bedside > commode we placed over the household commode (extended up for extra > height to help him stand easier) .............. we were able to get > him through several weeks of mobility. However, the last couple > days he's been getting very weak and " wobbly " and I sensed it wasn't > going to be long before he couldn't get back and forth to the > bathroom safely. This morning early ........... he struggled with > that and I was barely able to help him get back into the bed. > Coincidentally, I finally had the " hospice " discussion with him last > night ................... explained how they could help us better > assess what pain medications, etc. that he should be on for maximum > comfort and that I felt there were things we could be doing better > but needed their expertise and suggestions to do that. He agreed > and said " whatever " . He has been feeling worse the last 3 days and > I could tell he was finally ready to talk about that ............. > and might even welcome any relief they could bring him. So, they > are going to come out today and get us started. Seems timing is > everything ............... because given what has already happened > this morning, I would have been forced to get in touch with them > today anyway because of Rick's increased lack of mobility. It's > just getting much too difficult to get him to the Cancer Center and > he needs to be assessed much more often. > As most of you know, he developed shingles around his right eye on > Monday. He DID NOT need this additional aggravation! But that's > what happens when your immune system is so compromised. He is > healing fairly well from that, but has had a few days of high blood > pressure and his appetite is gone again. Due to the swelling in his > ankles and feet (and actually his whole body) he has been on three > diuretics since Monday. They finally worked, the swelling is almost > gone .................. and so is 15 pounds. He is now down to 235 > pounds ........................... a loss of 50 pounds over the last > 8 weeks or so. He is very weak, and spends most of his time > sleeping now ............. which is probably easiest on him. He has > finally got me shaving his face (yes, with a razor ........... BRAVE > MAN!) about every other day ................said it " just makes him > feel better " . One of the many " talents " I've learned in this > unfortunate process! ) > > Sorry to have rambled so long, ................ just wanted to make > sure everyone is caught up. I will try to keep you guys posted on > how he's doing as changes occur. I can't tell you how much we love > and appreciate each of you!! I know everyone is always wanting to > know what they can do ................. so for now I will continue > to ask you to pray for Rick's comfort and relief. And for > me ............... prayers for strength and calm, and to give me the > ability to give Rick the comfort he needs and to be able to make the > right decisions for him as we move forward through this journey. > > With Love and Sincere Appreciation! > Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 23, 2004 Report Share Posted October 23, 2004 Donna, You certainly have my prayers. I wish with all my heart that none of us had to make this particular journey. May God sustain you. Sharon > > Here is an update I have sent to local friends/family this > morning ........ in order to save time, I have just copied it to > my " other " family here. Hope you don't mind. > __________________________________________________________________ > > Just a short note to all our wonderful, supportive > friends/family .................. I know that most of you wish to > know how Rick is doing ............... and have realized that we > don't always answer the phone anymore. I hope you each understand > (and I think you do) that there are just days that it's too hard to > keep up with all the calls .............. but that doesn't mean we > don't appreciate your care and concern. Without that, I'm sure this > situation would have been much, much harder. So, I apologize that > it is sometimes hard to " reach " us. I thought maybe I'd try to use > this " Rick Update " group e-mail format to keep you all > informed ............ as there are more changes taking place now, > and it's easier for me to reach you all this way. > Just to get everyone up to speed .............. Rick hasn't been > doing well for a few months. After purchasing a lift chair a few > weeks ago, it seemed to resolve our problem of him not being able to > stand up from a sitting position. Between that and the bedside > commode we placed over the household commode (extended up for extra > height to help him stand easier) .............. we were able to get > him through several weeks of mobility. However, the last couple > days he's been getting very weak and " wobbly " and I sensed it wasn't > going to be long before he couldn't get back and forth to the > bathroom safely. This morning early ........... he struggled with > that and I was barely able to help him get back into the bed. > Coincidentally, I finally had the " hospice " discussion with him last > night ................... explained how they could help us better > assess what pain medications, etc. that he should be on for maximum > comfort and that I felt there were things we could be doing better > but needed their expertise and suggestions to do that. He agreed > and said " whatever " . He has been feeling worse the last 3 days and > I could tell he was finally ready to talk about that ............. > and might even welcome any relief they could bring him. So, they > are going to come out today and get us started. Seems timing is > everything ............... because given what has already happened > this morning, I would have been forced to get in touch with them > today anyway because of Rick's increased lack of mobility. It's > just getting much too difficult to get him to the Cancer Center and > he needs to be assessed much more often. > As most of you know, he developed shingles around his right eye on > Monday. He DID NOT need this additional aggravation! But that's > what happens when your immune system is so compromised. He is > healing fairly well from that, but has had a few days of high blood > pressure and his appetite is gone again. Due to the swelling in his > ankles and feet (and actually his whole body) he has been on three > diuretics since Monday. They finally worked, the swelling is almost > gone .................. and so is 15 pounds. He is now down to 235 > pounds ........................... a loss of 50 pounds over the last > 8 weeks or so. He is very weak, and spends most of his time > sleeping now ............. which is probably easiest on him. He has > finally got me shaving his face (yes, with a razor ........... BRAVE > MAN!) about every other day ................said it " just makes him > feel better " . One of the many " talents " I've learned in this > unfortunate process! ) > > Sorry to have rambled so long, ................ just wanted to make > sure everyone is caught up. I will try to keep you guys posted on > how he's doing as changes occur. I can't tell you how much we love > and appreciate each of you!! I know everyone is always wanting to > know what they can do ................. so for now I will continue > to ask you to pray for Rick's comfort and relief. And for > me ............... prayers for strength and calm, and to give me the > ability to give Rick the comfort he needs and to be able to make the > right decisions for him as we move forward through this journey. > > With Love and Sincere Appreciation! > Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 23, 2004 Report Share Posted October 23, 2004 Donna, My heart goes out to you and your family.I know how hard this is,having recently gone through it, so I also know that you are being very brave and doing everything possible to ease this time for Rick and your familiy.Calling hospice was definitely the right thing to do.It makes everything so much easier for all of you.It is a very difficult decision to make though,I remember well.Their help will allow Rick to stay at home if he chooses and provide you with the support you need to make that happen. Hang in there, Donna,I know you can do this! Hugs & Prayers H > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 23, 2004 Report Share Posted October 23, 2004 Donna Prayers are definitely with you,Rick and family at this time, hospice is a great help when needed! Your messages on this board have helped so many of us try to get through this terrible disease. Try to lean on hospice, so you and Rick can have some relaxing time! Prayers are with you both! Liz > > Here is an update I have sent to local friends/family this > morning ........ in order to save time, I have just copied it to > my " other " family here. Hope you don't mind. > __________________________________________________________________ > > Just a short note to all our wonderful, supportive > friends/family .................. I know that most of you wish to > know how Rick is doing ............... and have realized that we > don't always answer the phone anymore. I hope you each understand > (and I think you do) that there are just days that it's too hard to > keep up with all the calls .............. but that doesn't mean we > don't appreciate your care and concern. Without that, I'm sure this > situation would have been much, much harder. So, I apologize that > it is sometimes hard to " reach " us. I thought maybe I'd try to use > this " Rick Update " group e-mail format to keep you all > informed ............ as there are more changes taking place now, > and it's easier for me to reach you all this way. > Just to get everyone up to speed .............. Rick hasn't been > doing well for a few months. After purchasing a lift chair a few > weeks ago, it seemed to resolve our problem of him not being able to > stand up from a sitting position. Between that and the bedside > commode we placed over the household commode (extended up for extra > height to help him stand easier) .............. we were able to get > him through several weeks of mobility. However, the last couple > days he's been getting very weak and " wobbly " and I sensed it wasn't > going to be long before he couldn't get back and forth to the > bathroom safely. This morning early ........... he struggled with > that and I was barely able to help him get back into the bed. > Coincidentally, I finally had the " hospice " discussion with him last > night ................... explained how they could help us better > assess what pain medications, etc. that he should be on for maximum > comfort and that I felt there were things we could be doing better > but needed their expertise and suggestions to do that. He agreed > and said " whatever " . He has been feeling worse the last 3 days and > I could tell he was finally ready to talk about that ............. > and might even welcome any relief they could bring him. So, they > are going to come out today and get us started. Seems timing is > everything ............... because given what has already happened > this morning, I would have been forced to get in touch with them > today anyway because of Rick's increased lack of mobility. It's > just getting much too difficult to get him to the Cancer Center and > he needs to be assessed much more often. > As most of you know, he developed shingles around his right eye on > Monday. He DID NOT need this additional aggravation! But that's > what happens when your immune system is so compromised. He is > healing fairly well from that, but has had a few days of high blood > pressure and his appetite is gone again. Due to the swelling in his > ankles and feet (and actually his whole body) he has been on three > diuretics since Monday. They finally worked, the swelling is almost > gone .................. and so is 15 pounds. He is now down to 235 > pounds ........................... a loss of 50 pounds over the last > 8 weeks or so. He is very weak, and spends most of his time > sleeping now ............. which is probably easiest on him. He has > finally got me shaving his face (yes, with a razor ........... BRAVE > MAN!) about every other day ................said it " just makes him > feel better " . One of the many " talents " I've learned in this > unfortunate process! ) > > Sorry to have rambled so long, ................ just wanted to make > sure everyone is caught up. I will try to keep you guys posted on > how he's doing as changes occur. I can't tell you how much we love > and appreciate each of you!! I know everyone is always wanting to > know what they can do ................. so for now I will continue > to ask you to pray for Rick's comfort and relief. And for > me ............... prayers for strength and calm, and to give me the > ability to give Rick the comfort he needs and to be able to make the > right decisions for him as we move forward through this journey. > > With Love and Sincere Appreciation! > Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 23, 2004 Report Share Posted October 23, 2004 Hang in there girlfriend, you are doing a great job taking care of Rick. Give him a big hug from me and try to get some time for yourself also. I know how hard this can be. H. had some good tips for us caregivers and God know we need it. Joyce > > > > Here is an update I have sent to local friends/family this > > morning ........ in order to save time, I have just copied it to > > my " other " family here. Hope you don't mind. > > __________________________________________________________________ > > > > Just a short note to all our wonderful, supportive > > friends/family .................. I know that most of you wish to > > know how Rick is doing ............... and have realized that we > > don't always answer the phone anymore. I hope you each understand > > (and I think you do) that there are just days that it's too hard to > > keep up with all the calls .............. but that doesn't mean we > > don't appreciate your care and concern. Without that, I'm sure > this > > situation would have been much, much harder. So, I apologize that > > it is sometimes hard to " reach " us. I thought maybe I'd try to use > > this " Rick Update " group e-mail format to keep you all > > informed ............ as there are more changes taking place now, > > and it's easier for me to reach you all this way. > > Just to get everyone up to speed .............. Rick hasn't been > > doing well for a few months. After purchasing a lift chair a few > > weeks ago, it seemed to resolve our problem of him not being able > to > > stand up from a sitting position. Between that and the bedside > > commode we placed over the household commode (extended up for extra > > height to help him stand easier) .............. we were able to get > > him through several weeks of mobility. However, the last couple > > days he's been getting very weak and " wobbly " and I sensed it > wasn't > > going to be long before he couldn't get back and forth to the > > bathroom safely. This morning early ........... he struggled with > > that and I was barely able to help him get back into the bed. > > Coincidentally, I finally had the " hospice " discussion with him > last > > night ................... explained how they could help us better > > assess what pain medications, etc. that he should be on for maximum > > comfort and that I felt there were things we could be doing better > > but needed their expertise and suggestions to do that. He agreed > > and said " whatever " . He has been feeling worse the last 3 days and > > I could tell he was finally ready to talk about that ............. > > and might even welcome any relief they could bring him. So, they > > are going to come out today and get us started. Seems timing is > > everything ............... because given what has already happened > > this morning, I would have been forced to get in touch with them > > today anyway because of Rick's increased lack of mobility. It's > > just getting much too difficult to get him to the Cancer Center and > > he needs to be assessed much more often. > > As most of you know, he developed shingles around his right eye on > > Monday. He DID NOT need this additional aggravation! But that's > > what happens when your immune system is so compromised. He is > > healing fairly well from that, but has had a few days of high blood > > pressure and his appetite is gone again. Due to the swelling in > his > > ankles and feet (and actually his whole body) he has been on three > > diuretics since Monday. They finally worked, the swelling is > almost > > gone .................. and so is 15 pounds. He is now down to 235 > > pounds ........................... a loss of 50 pounds over the > last > > 8 weeks or so. He is very weak, and spends most of his time > > sleeping now ............. which is probably easiest on him. He > has > > finally got me shaving his face (yes, with a razor ........... > BRAVE > > MAN!) about every other day ................said it " just makes him > > feel better " . One of the many " talents " I've learned in this > > unfortunate process! ) > > > > Sorry to have rambled so long, ................ just wanted to make > > sure everyone is caught up. I will try to keep you guys posted on > > how he's doing as changes occur. I can't tell you how much we love > > and appreciate each of you!! I know everyone is always wanting to > > know what they can do ................. so for now I will continue > > to ask you to pray for Rick's comfort and relief. And for > > me ............... prayers for strength and calm, and to give me > the > > ability to give Rick the comfort he needs and to be able to make > the > > right decisions for him as we move forward through this journey. > > > > With Love and Sincere Appreciation! > > Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2004 Report Share Posted October 25, 2004 Donna, I am so very saddened by your news. Like Narice said, you were also one of the very first ones there for me when my Bert was diagnosed July 2003 with stage. Your support, words of encouragement, and feelings of hope helped me tremendously and I so wish there was something I could do for you now. I will keep praying for you and Rick and ask that our Heavenly Father watch over and protect you both. It is undoubtedly the most difficult journey anyone will ever make in his/her lifetime and I pray I won't have to make it for many, many years to come but if and when I do, I hope that I am as brave, compassionate, and courageous as you. Lots of hugs and much love, Monika > > Here is an update I have sent to local friends/family this > morning ........ in order to save time, I have just copied it to > my " other " family here. Hope you don't mind. > __________________________________________________________________ > > Just a short note to all our wonderful, supportive > friends/family .................. I know that most of you wish to > know how Rick is doing ............... and have realized that we > don't always answer the phone anymore. I hope you each understand > (and I think you do) that there are just days that it's too hard to > keep up with all the calls .............. but that doesn't mean we > don't appreciate your care and concern. Without that, I'm sure this > situation would have been much, much harder. So, I apologize that > it is sometimes hard to " reach " us. I thought maybe I'd try to use > this " Rick Update " group e-mail format to keep you all > informed ............ as there are more changes taking place now, > and it's easier for me to reach you all this way. > Just to get everyone up to speed .............. Rick hasn't been > doing well for a few months. After purchasing a lift chair a few > weeks ago, it seemed to resolve our problem of him not being able to > stand up from a sitting position. Between that and the bedside > commode we placed over the household commode (extended up for extra > height to help him stand easier) .............. we were able to get > him through several weeks of mobility. However, the last couple > days he's been getting very weak and " wobbly " and I sensed it wasn't > going to be long before he couldn't get back and forth to the > bathroom safely. This morning early ........... he struggled with > that and I was barely able to help him get back into the bed. > Coincidentally, I finally had the " hospice " discussion with him last > night ................... explained how they could help us better > assess what pain medications, etc. that he should be on for maximum > comfort and that I felt there were things we could be doing better > but needed their expertise and suggestions to do that. He agreed > and said " whatever " . He has been feeling worse the last 3 days and > I could tell he was finally ready to talk about that ............. > and might even welcome any relief they could bring him. So, they > are going to come out today and get us started. Seems timing is > everything ............... because given what has already happened > this morning, I would have been forced to get in touch with them > today anyway because of Rick's increased lack of mobility. It's > just getting much too difficult to get him to the Cancer Center and > he needs to be assessed much more often. > As most of you know, he developed shingles around his right eye on > Monday. He DID NOT need this additional aggravation! But that's > what happens when your immune system is so compromised. He is > healing fairly well from that, but has had a few days of high blood > pressure and his appetite is gone again. Due to the swelling in his > ankles and feet (and actually his whole body) he has been on three > diuretics since Monday. They finally worked, the swelling is almost > gone .................. and so is 15 pounds. He is now down to 235 > pounds ........................... a loss of 50 pounds over the last > 8 weeks or so. He is very weak, and spends most of his time > sleeping now ............. which is probably easiest on him. He has > finally got me shaving his face (yes, with a razor ........... BRAVE > MAN!) about every other day ................said it " just makes him > feel better " . One of the many " talents " I've learned in this > unfortunate process! ) > > Sorry to have rambled so long, ................ just wanted to make > sure everyone is caught up. I will try to keep you guys posted on > how he's doing as changes occur. I can't tell you how much we love > and appreciate each of you!! I know everyone is always wanting to > know what they can do ................. so for now I will continue > to ask you to pray for Rick's comfort and relief. And for > me ............... prayers for strength and calm, and to give me the > ability to give Rick the comfort he needs and to be able to make the > right decisions for him as we move forward through this journey. > > With Love and Sincere Appreciation! > Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 25, 2004 Report Share Posted October 25, 2004 > > Here is an update I have sent to local friends/family this > morning ........ in order to save time, I have just copied it to > my " other " family here. Hope you don't mind. > __________________________________________________________________ > > Just a short note to all our wonderful, supportive > friends/family .................. I know that most of you wish to > know how Rick is doing ............... and have realized that we > don't always answer the phone anymore. I hope you each understand > (and I think you do) that there are just days that it's too hard to > keep up with all the calls .............. but that doesn't mean we > don't appreciate your care and concern. Without that, I'm sure this > situation would have been much, much harder. So, I apologize that > it is sometimes hard to " reach " us. I thought maybe I'd try to use > this " Rick Update " group e-mail format to keep you all > informed ............ as there are more changes taking place now, > and it's easier for me to reach you all this way. > Just to get everyone up to speed .............. Rick hasn't been > doing well for a few months. After purchasing a lift chair a few > weeks ago, it seemed to resolve our problem of him not being able to > stand up from a sitting position. Between that and the bedside > commode we placed over the household commode (extended up for extra > height to help him stand easier) .............. we were able to get > him through several weeks of mobility. However, the last couple > days he's been getting very weak and " wobbly " and I sensed it wasn't > going to be long before he couldn't get back and forth to the > bathroom safely. This morning early ........... he struggled with > that and I was barely able to help him get back into the bed. > Coincidentally, I finally had the " hospice " discussion with him last > night ................... explained how they could help us better > assess what pain medications, etc. that he should be on for maximum > comfort and that I felt there were things we could be doing better > but needed their expertise and suggestions to do that. He agreed > and said " whatever " . He has been feeling worse the last 3 days and > I could tell he was finally ready to talk about that ............. > and might even welcome any relief they could bring him. So, they > are going to come out today and get us started. Seems timing is > everything ............... because given what has already happened > this morning, I would have been forced to get in touch with them > today anyway because of Rick's increased lack of mobility. It's > just getting much too difficult to get him to the Cancer Center and > he needs to be assessed much more often. > As most of you know, he developed shingles around his right eye on > Monday. He DID NOT need this additional aggravation! But that's > what happens when your immune system is so compromised. He is > healing fairly well from that, but has had a few days of high blood > pressure and his appetite is gone again. Due to the swelling in his > ankles and feet (and actually his whole body) he has been on three > diuretics since Monday. They finally worked, the swelling is almost > gone .................. and so is 15 pounds. He is now down to 235 > pounds ........................... a loss of 50 pounds over the last > 8 weeks or so. He is very weak, and spends most of his time > sleeping now ............. which is probably easiest on him. He has > finally got me shaving his face (yes, with a razor ........... BRAVE > MAN!) about every other day ................said it " just makes him > feel better " . One of the many " talents " I've learned in this > unfortunate process! ) > > Sorry to have rambled so long, ................ just wanted to make > sure everyone is caught up. I will try to keep you guys posted on > how he's doing as changes occur. I can't tell you how much we love > and appreciate each of you!! I know everyone is always wanting to > know what they can do ................. so for now I will continue > to ask you to pray for Rick's comfort and relief. And for > me ............... prayers for strength and calm, and to give me the > ability to give Rick the comfort he needs and to be able to make the > right decisions for him as we move forward through this journey. > > With Love and Sincere Appreciation! > Donna Donna, i am so very sorry to hear this, you both will be in my prayer's I will pray for rick's comfort and your strength, but most of all for God to wrap his arm's around you both and your family....hugs Jana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 27, 2004 Report Share Posted October 27, 2004 Donna, I read here every day and very rarely write. This place was my support during the time that Dick was ill. I'm so sorry this is happening to Rick and to your family -- there are tears in my eyes as I read your update, remembering those weeks of letting the phone ring while watching less and less mobility. Dick said that he'd walk to the bathroom until the day he died and was most disappointed that he ultimately couldn't do that. So, for whatever it's worth, there are those of us out here who will send good thoughts your way, hoping that you both find peace. I wish there were some other way to help you. Fondly, Maeve. -- In colon_cancer_support , " Donna Sisco " <cncrsps2002@y...> wrote: > > Here is an update I have sent to local friends/family this > morning ........ in order to save time, I have just copied it to > my " other " family here. Hope you don't mind. > __________________________________________________________________ > > Just a short note to all our wonderful, supportive > friends/family .................. I know that most of you wish to > know how Rick is doing ............... and have realized that we > don't always answer the phone anymore. I hope you each understand > (and I think you do) that there are just days that it's too hard to > keep up with all the calls .............. but that doesn't mean we > don't appreciate your care and concern. Without that, I'm sure this > situation would have been much, much harder. So, I apologize that > it is sometimes hard to " reach " us. I thought maybe I'd try to use > this " Rick Update " group e-mail format to keep you all > informed ............ as there are more changes taking place now, > and it's easier for me to reach you all this way. > Just to get everyone up to speed .............. Rick hasn't been > doing well for a few months. After purchasing a lift chair a few > weeks ago, it seemed to resolve our problem of him not being able to > stand up from a sitting position. Between that and the bedside > commode we placed over the household commode (extended up for extra > height to help him stand easier) .............. we were able to get > him through several weeks of mobility. However, the last couple > days he's been getting very weak and " wobbly " and I sensed it wasn't > going to be long before he couldn't get back and forth to the > bathroom safely. This morning early ........... he struggled with > that and I was barely able to help him get back into the bed. > Coincidentally, I finally had the " hospice " discussion with him last > night ................... explained how they could help us better > assess what pain medications, etc. that he should be on for maximum > comfort and that I felt there were things we could be doing better > but needed their expertise and suggestions to do that. He agreed > and said " whatever " . He has been feeling worse the last 3 days and > I could tell he was finally ready to talk about that ............. > and might even welcome any relief they could bring him. So, they > are going to come out today and get us started. Seems timing is > everything ............... because given what has already happened > this morning, I would have been forced to get in touch with them > today anyway because of Rick's increased lack of mobility. It's > just getting much too difficult to get him to the Cancer Center and > he needs to be assessed much more often. > As most of you know, he developed shingles around his right eye on > Monday. He DID NOT need this additional aggravation! But that's > what happens when your immune system is so compromised. He is > healing fairly well from that, but has had a few days of high blood > pressure and his appetite is gone again. Due to the swelling in his > ankles and feet (and actually his whole body) he has been on three > diuretics since Monday. They finally worked, the swelling is almost > gone .................. and so is 15 pounds. He is now down to 235 > pounds ........................... a loss of 50 pounds over the last > 8 weeks or so. He is very weak, and spends most of his time > sleeping now ............. which is probably easiest on him. He has > finally got me shaving his face (yes, with a razor ........... BRAVE > MAN!) about every other day ................said it " just makes him > feel better " . One of the many " talents " I've learned in this > unfortunate process! ) > > Sorry to have rambled so long, ................ just wanted to make > sure everyone is caught up. I will try to keep you guys posted on > how he's doing as changes occur. I can't tell you how much we love > and appreciate each of you!! I know everyone is always wanting to > know what they can do ................. so for now I will continue > to ask you to pray for Rick's comfort and relief. And for > me ............... prayers for strength and calm, and to give me the > ability to give Rick the comfort he needs and to be able to make the > right decisions for him as we move forward through this journey. > > With Love and Sincere Appreciation! > Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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