Home to Hospice

Thinking about the end of life process in someone who is terminally ill is very difficult. We wonder when. We wonder what it will look like. We wonder what it "feels" like for our loved one. Just as I've turned to the internet to research this cancer, the doctors on Dad's team, and all of the treatments and surgeries, I've also turned to it looking for how we can help Dad move through these final stages. I actually want to share a resource with everyone because I appreciate the grace and love with which the site was written. Credit was given to Hospice:  http://www.craigscause.ca/final-stage-of-death/

So after reading that, observing the changes in Dad the last week or so, and listening to the doctors, what became more clear was the need to introduce options. More intense care is needed. The tubes, the drains, the poking and prodding and endless procedures.......enough. Dad has had enough. We already know that there is nothing left to do to treat the cancer, and all care at this point would be palliative. So, the very, very difficult decision has been made to allow the doctors to release Dad to Hospice care in his home in WV. He just wants to go home and be in his house with his TV and all his stuff, and let's be honest.......with those felines. Once that is all set up and the appropriate equipment has been delivered to his house, we will transport Dad home. 

I have observed Dad to become more confused with each day. He sleeps most of the time, and while floating in and out of sleep, he may ask a question about something from my childhood. ("Do you have any track meets this week?") Yet, he still throws in that occasional smarty pants response to a question, which has become something Dad is known for on Weinberg 5. He's got nurses and techs that come to visit and check in on him, even though he may not be their patient on that day. His "quips" have become quite popular. That sense of humor is still there:)

Much leaking still commences from time to time, and we pray a lot. Your prayers for strength and guidance and peace are much appreciated. We have been able to "keep on keeping on" b/c of your prayers. There's no doubt about. We appreciate all that everyone is doing for us so that we can be here with Dad. It helps to be able to divide and conquer with these tasks b/c it is all very overwhelming. The child care, the play dates, the kitty sitting.....everything....thank you! 

Pray for a smoooooth transport and transition from hospital to home. 

Much love to all......Jen