8:30 p.m., Saturday, July 16, 2011
Ron is still not doing very well--no improvement. He is coherent and can talk but even a few brief words wear him out. He ate a bite or so of lemon pudding & a small popsickle today. He is living on water and crushed ice. He knows the importance of nutrients, but he also knows that whatever nutrients he can force down is not likely to change things. So, he says if he does not want it or cannot tolerate it, there is no use in him eating it. At this stage of his illness, I completely agree. He knows that I and his mother are standing by to cook whatever he might want. There are many others also standing by with offers of food preparations.
Ron does not know what I am thinking which is, "I am wondering how much longer he can go on in this kind of condition". Please, I do not want anyone to write and give me the specifics as to how much longer Ron can suffer, as I already know it could be for quite sometime.
I have personally assisted with many end of life issues when I have worked in my business that I co-own providing crisis assistance to the elderly. Some patients suffer for a long,long time. Those experiences do not make it easier for me to watch Ron slowly slip away. I HATE IT!! I know all of you do too. Thankfully, I was able to take a leave from the business a few months back, so I could devote that time to being with Ron.
A few days ago and before I called in hospice, I was online researching and ran across the "Signs and Symptoms of Approaching Death" on the Hospice Patients Alliance website. Ron has 6 out of 10 of the signs.
Ron & I had a special time this afternoon listening to our wedding music, but he fell asleep, so we will try again later.
Matt, (Ron's oldest son) is coming tomorrow. His brothers, Michael and Jonathan are coming on Monday. We will be working on more stuff in storage and a few things around here.
Thank you for your continued expressions of love, concern and prayers.
Joyce
The Love of My Life!
4 comments:
we just had a dinner for Bud and Norma's 61st anniversary. I let Larry's wife have it at her house this year.A lot less work for me.The first thing I did when we got home was go to your blog.Reading it emphasized another great marriage in my family.I remember visiting with his sons at your wedding. I appreciate you keeping it updated so much.I think of ya'll constantly, but if you had to hear and answer the phone you would be even more exhausted, if thats possible. So glad you have this forum to let the mass of people who love you keep in touch.
Remember, I want to do anything to ease yours and Rons burdens, just don't know how.Kenneth includes ya'll in our prayers every day.
Love you so. Sis, Carolyn
You and Ron are in my prayers.
Joyce
It is so nice that you & Ron have such a great marriage. It is truly sad that such a great marriage of two people who love each other so much and are so committed to each other find their marriage is so short due to a death dealing disease like carcinoid tumors. I look back at your wedding pictures & Ron looks so happy & healthy. It is heartbreaking to know what the end result of this terrible disease in Ron's case will be.
It is obvious that both you & Ron realize the outcome of this terrible disease from your expressions. It has taken great courage & wisdom for both of you to admit this & express this.
Please know that Cheryl & I would like to provide you & Ron more support but since your preference is that we do this only in writing unless you contact us by phone or allow a personal visit it limits our support. But we are here to give you whatever support you need - we only need you to allow us to do so. All we need is for you to let us know how we can help.
Love
Your Brother
Dale
PS: I am grateful for the limited phone calls we have shared & hope that you initiate more. But I will wait on you to select the time
You are always in our prayers.
Mike & La J
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