Friday, June 27, 2008 - Update

Dad is at home. He arrived about 3:00 p.m. and we have him all set up in a hospital bed in their bedroom. He said he was very happy to be at home and he actually looks, if I may say, quite relieved. He is aware of why he is at home and about what is happening. When I was out of the room, mom said that they talked and he asked what the dr.'s were saying about how long and she said that they can't pinpoint it, it might be a week or more or less. She said that he did grimace a bit at that and said he hoped for less - not that he didn't want to be with us, but that he doesn't want it to be like this.

Lauren, an intake nurse from Hospice of the Chesapeake came by and talked through paperwork and what we can expect from their organization and answered questions we had at the time. It was really good to talk with her and go over things. It made me "calm" (don't know if that's exactly the right word or not, but it will have to do for now). They sound like they know what they are doing, will be here for dad and for us as we go down this road and it is a comfort. Lauren spoke with dad and went over things with him as well to reaffirm that this was what he wanted and he said yes.

Dad has been speaking with us, drinking some water and sleeping on and off. It does take him a little bit to answer questions sometimes as he is a bit slower in processing either the question or formatting his response, but he is aware. His breathing is a bit labored and he does have pain. Lauren has said that this will increase, as well as his sleeping more, become more disoriented, etc. When his nurse is here, she will give us updates and let us know what she feels is the stage where he might be and what we might expect to happen next, so that we are not caught unawares. We have medicine to give him for the pain and we are working to keep him comfortable.

That's about it for now. We are extremely glad to have him home with us as well. Mom is holding up as well as can be expected and I'm making sure she is taking care of herself. The "Schnoodle Sisters" are enjoying their visit and spreading their love with all of us to help keep us sane - go Lucie and Kira. Cuddles and loves are always good things!

I'll post again tomorrow and let all of you know how things are going. Thank you so much for the kind words and we appreciate all the love, thoughts and prayers.