The next steps
A month or two. That is what Dr. Smith said when I asked him "No best case scenario, just realistically, how long does mom have to live?" It appears that Thanksgiving is the most realistic goal that we can make for her longevity right now. While this news didn't come as a shock, it certainly wasn't what we had hoped to hear. Mom is staring death in the eye right now and there are days where it is driving her to tears and others where she can't imagine going on if the pain she is in (arms and legs mostly) continues to be as strong as it has been the last week.
Today we meet with hospice and any issues regarding pain are going to be addressed. Hospice has the power to experiment with different pain medication combos to make sure that mom's last weeks are as pain-free and comfortable as possible. That is all I am personally hoping and praying for right now. That she can ascend from this big rock with a minimum of pain and suffering. She is scared, she is hurting, but she is strong and despite the pain she is in, she continues to talk about how she will continue to fight until the end. I have talked with her in depth and told her that she doesn't have to fight for my sake or anyone else's. She just needs to focus on enjoying her remaining tme as much as she can. I am with her as much as I can be with school and Jenny's dad's issues also demanding my time. We are making every minute count and I am very comfortable in the knowledge that mom is in a good home with great care and will hopefully be experiencing a reduction in her pain levels soon.
Jenny's dad, Mike, is spending his fifth consecutive day at OHSU. His defribilator went off five times Sat. morning and he has been undergoing a series of tests to determine why his heart is producing the rhythms that it is and what the next steps are in terms of getting him some healing for his declining ticker. Jenny and I are splitting our time between both of our sick parents. Life is insane right now. One of the things that keeps us going is knowing that we are being thought of by some very wonderful people. We both thank you for your words and thoughts and want you all to know that we appreciate them more than we can express.
Pat
posted by p-rob @ 9:02 AM
2 Comments:
Pat
I feel your pain as well as if I was there in person. I am there in spirit and praying for you and your family. I was worried about Mike since I was not getting a call back but now I know he is still in the hospital as well. Sorry about Mom but make each day special, at least you have time to say everything you want to say, I never got the chance to do that with either of my parents .
We love you dearly. Hugs and Kisses to you, Mom, Jenny Penny, my best freind Judy and the love of her life Mike.
We pray and pray for a peaceful ending to this rocking boat the whole family has been on.
Love
V and P
Dear Pat, and Jenny, too: I will cherish the time and wonderful opportunity I had in knowing your dear, dear mother Nora. She was unconditional in her friendship with me, and we grew to love each other very much in our friendship.
We were thrilled when you and Jenny announced your engagement, not only in the "wonderfulness of that", but also because it meant that she and I and you & Jenny would all be related! And that is a good thing! Uncle Jim and I send our most deepest sympathies and at the same time, are greatful that she has no more memory of pain, and is now in Heaven with all her loved ones that have gone before her. Please know that we are here for you, always. We, too, are so very proud of you both! With so much love, Aunt Sharon and Uncle Jim
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