Sorry, but I just didn't have a lot of time to post this morning.
We went out and got the ball rolling on the funeral, then took a break over at Borders - caramel latte if you're interested. I will tell you that I was very good to Jill's books while I was there (although I almost got caught *gg*) Then back home for a nap.
Mom's temperature was 102.4 this morning and her apnea is worse. She breathes normally a couple of times and then exhales - I could count to 21 before she took the next breath. Her doctor came to see her yesterday - the first time we'd seen a doctor since this began. She said that since mom could be roused, that it could be another 2 weeks. After Bebo and I picked our jaws off the floor she said "but she could die of a heart attack tonight". It's not that we were disappointed that it wouldn't be sooner, just that Bebo can't take that much off of work and I had planned three weeks at max, but that was supposed to include a week between the funeral and going back to work. So we decided to wait and talk to the hospice nurse - they're the ones that are "in the trenches" so to speak. And besides, we remembered that you could rouse dad on the day that he died. When the nurse arrived this morning, we pounced. We told her what the doctor said and she just rolled her eyes - she said she would not be surprised if mom went this weekend and that keeping to the original time-line of a week to 10 days was more realistic (today is the 6th day). She said that mom's body wouldn't hold out another 2 weeks.
Good news though - at least through the weekend mom has continual hospice care - that means that we have nurses 24 hours a day (hence my time for a nap). I won't have to get up at 2:00 a.m. to give her medicine, or turn her, etc. - at least until Monday. They will re-evaluate the situation then. They provide this care in times of crisis (the nurse deemed us exhausted) and for the last five days of the patients life. So if it continues after the weekend it will be because the hospice people believe that this is the end.
So just continue to pray for a quick resolution - when people say they hope they don't sound cruel for saying that, we tell them "it's not like she's getting better - it's going to happen regardless so let it be swift."
12 comments:
Glad you got out of the house. Glad there is some medical support to tell you what is going on.
Hope for a swift and painless end to your mother's suffering.
*hugs* Glad you had some time away today and that the nurses will be there through the weekend.
Praying for you all
So glad to hear you were able to get out. Was also glad to hear that you have had 24 hour help. You WERE exhausted. I'm praying for a quick oblivious end for your Mothers pain in this world.
i'm thinking of you, and i can certainly relate to this post. my husband was given two weeks max to live -- and he lived 4 months. don't want to freak you out -- that's because he was so young and was in such good physical shape. but i can really relate to thinking it's going to happen any hour, and then having it not happen. or having that period continue and continue. it takes quite an emotional toll on the family. you'll probably want to sleep for a year when this is over. physical exhaustion accumulates, and it can take a year or more to recover from that aspect alone.
No way is hoping for a swift and peaceful ending a cruel thing to say. All of those going through such an illness with a loved one completely understand that. But then, a lot of people think that there is nothing beyond death. I'm not one of them. Just think that she'll be able to see her other loved ones again.
It's hard to predict a time of death but if these are hospice nurses, they would definitely know more about the signs.
I'm glad you were able to get out a bit today. I'm sure it was very welcome for you since you've been on the spot 24/7 for so long. I hope you enjoyed it as much as possible.
Hugs and prayers for all of you. My thoughts often go out to you as well.
Hugs! You guys are in my prayers
hey it's dylan
Hospice is a godsend. I'm glad you got a nap and were able to drink that latte. Thanks for keeping us updated.
It's good to know you're getting the support you need. And that you were able to get out of the house. I'm praying for a swift, painless resolution. Take care, sweetie and try to get some rest.
So glad you have help and were able to get away for a bit. {{hugs}}
Dylan? Hey sweetie - how are you?
(((hugs))) Mary and Bailey and Bebo.
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