Here it is December already. Its cold and windy here today and tomorrow we may get our first snow of the season. I don't have anyplace I have to be tomorrow other than here, so snow is fine with me. I might even bake some Christmas cookies.
Today we went to NIH for a checkup. Warren has gained 2-1/2 kilos since his last visit on Nov. 20th. I have always refused to learn the metric system, but I think that's around seven pounds. It appears to be fluid as the left side of his face appears puffy and he's had some swelling in the legs and ankles. His lungs are clear though. They told us they would continue to supply the medications that hospice won't cover (like his blood pressure and thyroid meds). Hospice is only allowed to cover the cancer-related drugs and those needed to control symptoms. Having NIH send us the others will be helpful as I won't have to go to our family physician in Greenbelt to get them. They can be mailed here. The NIH people were sad today too and said they will miss seeing him. Although we made an appointment for January 7th, it remains to be seen if we'll be able to do it or not.
Warren came to the same conclusion I had that he wasn't physically able to withstand the prep and the treatments for the cyber-knife radiation. Cyber knife wouldn't have offered a cure, only some management of symptoms and we will seek other remedies here for those now. We have closed the door on further treatments. We are entering into a holy space where a soul prepares to make its transition. I am trying to make this as gentle a passing as possible by surrounding him with love and support in the comfort of our home. It is part of our humanity to ease our love ones through in times of change.
Remember that each day is a precious gift, be mindful how you use it.
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Here are hugs for you, Cheryl... as many hugs as I can possibly send to you...
ReplyDeleteYes, you are right, each day is a gift, each moment with a loved one is a moment to be treasured.
ReplyDeleteIt is snowing right now here. It missed me by one day (I love picking out a tree with snow falling).
ReplyDeleteI would like to share a story my mother-in-law shared with us Sunday. She has been (slowly) cleaning out all the rooms in her home and came across some Christmas balls that she had forgotten about. Last year after Christmas she took my father-in-law out shopping, he found some ornaments that made him think of each of his sisters so bought them to give to them this year. What a special blessing it was that she found them right before Christmas. She made a special trip to give each of them one last gift from their brother that they thought they would never get again. It is just the kind of thing to get one through a holiday while they are missing a loved one.
Make every minute count with memories of love. I wish you love and comfort at this time.
Thinking of you....
ReplyDeleteNym, its probably no accident that she found the ornaments now. I'm sure he guided her so that he could say "hello" to his sisters. A beautiful story, thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jerene.
ReplyDeleteSuch a right attitude to have. I only hope that if I am ever in thast situation, I can have the same. If there is anything I can do to help even if it is just to listen, let me know.
ReplyDeleteThank you Patti.
ReplyDeleteThat was my thought too Cheryl, thought you would enjoy the story.
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