I was caught by surprise at the "Fly In" on June 14th, by the recognition that Mim brought from the Serbs. That was but the tip of the iceberg, as I've discovered in the last 5 days. The outpouring of comfort, prayers, genuine concern and love, not just for Dad, but for out entire family has been absolutely stunning! We've heard from folks from all over the U.S., and you have been wonderful. Rarely am I at a loss for words, but your demonstration of the true meaning of unconditional love and support has left me almost at a loss. Thank you doesn't seem adequate, but it is all I have, and please believe me when I say that it comes from the bottom of my heart. I could never have made it through these last few days without your comfort and support. Sam, all the guys from EAA, but especially Bill H, Danny Boy, and Micky Mouse, and of course, his wife, Bridget; Alexandra, Cynthia, - you deserve special recognition for the multiple phone calls and e-mails at all those gawd-awful hours that you responded to without complaint!
To bring those of you who haven't heard up to date: Dad had a really, really rough day on Thursday, and facing the holiday weekend, after consulting with the Oncologist, Dr. Roshon, who called unexpectedly, and the new primary care physician, Dr. Hoelzle, we agreed that it was time to initiate contact with Hospice. I can't begin to describe how helpful they have been. On Friday morning, remember, this is a Holiday, a hospital bed was delivered and set up, along with an over-the-bed tray on wheels, and a wheeled walker! Early afternoon, I was able to pick up Lasix for his water retention, and an oral mouthwash to help with problems there, and he's already noted improvement! He even agreed to take the Morphine Sol Tabs (under his tongue) each night at bedtime, to help him sleep. Using the walker maintains his independence and keeps him safer in moving around the house. The hospital bed is in the corner of the living room, so he's more a part of the "regular home routine" and it's so much easier to keep an eye on him. In addition, he much closer to the computer room, and as a result, he's actually been reading some of your e-mails himself, instead of hearing about them from me, and waiting until he feels better to go thru them! I expect him to be adding to this blog tomorrow!
He's eating much, much better than he was on Wednesday and Thursday morning. That alone is helping to increase his over-all strength and well-being! I've figured out that as long as we make sure that he gets primarily soft foods until his mouth heals, he'll do much better with eating!
Hope folks are reading this and will comment.
Debi
To bring those of you who haven't heard up to date: Dad had a really, really rough day on Thursday, and facing the holiday weekend, after consulting with the Oncologist, Dr. Roshon, who called unexpectedly, and the new primary care physician, Dr. Hoelzle, we agreed that it was time to initiate contact with Hospice. I can't begin to describe how helpful they have been. On Friday morning, remember, this is a Holiday, a hospital bed was delivered and set up, along with an over-the-bed tray on wheels, and a wheeled walker! Early afternoon, I was able to pick up Lasix for his water retention, and an oral mouthwash to help with problems there, and he's already noted improvement! He even agreed to take the Morphine Sol Tabs (under his tongue) each night at bedtime, to help him sleep. Using the walker maintains his independence and keeps him safer in moving around the house. The hospital bed is in the corner of the living room, so he's more a part of the "regular home routine" and it's so much easier to keep an eye on him. In addition, he much closer to the computer room, and as a result, he's actually been reading some of your e-mails himself, instead of hearing about them from me, and waiting until he feels better to go thru them! I expect him to be adding to this blog tomorrow!
He's eating much, much better than he was on Wednesday and Thursday morning. That alone is helping to increase his over-all strength and well-being! I've figured out that as long as we make sure that he gets primarily soft foods until his mouth heals, he'll do much better with eating!
Hope folks are reading this and will comment.
Debi
2 comments:
Debi - My name is Jeanne Armstrong. Clare Musgrove is my dad and Adam and Corbin Herman are my sons. Adam alerted me to this blog. Dad is with us in Minnesota and I've read the messages to him. He send his love, prayers and concern for Jibby and Jo. He prays for comfort and better health. Adam and Corbin are so grateful that they were in Serbia with Jibby and Jo. Please know that we are all thinking of you and your family.
Jeanne - So glad Clare got the word! Mom and dad were worried about that! I'll be sure to pass on the info. Please feel free to call so they guys can chat - it's doing dad a world of good! He's eating really well, so he's regaining some strength. We go back to the oncologist Tuesday a.m., so we'll have more info then!
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