- Re: Latest Rick Update

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much . It's the prayers that sustain us, I'm

sure. And you're exactly right ........ I know that God will

continue to bless us with the things we need to get through this.

If it weren't for knowing that ......... I believe I'd be a

basketcase by now. BUT .... I DO know it ........ because he's done

it for me time and time again in crisis situations in years past.

At least I don't have to worry about " what's going to happen to

me " ............ and I'm thankful that God has that plan all figured

out. Now ......... if I could just talk him into sharing that plan

with me! ;-)

I pray that things will be better for you and all the others in this

group ............ miracles do still happen, and each of us are just

as likely as the other to be the one that gets one!! Hang in

there ......... and keep leaning on each other here on this

board .............. that's what gave it to us for!

Love

Donna

> >

> > 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