Update on Dad

simplyklb · Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2008 7:12 pm Post subject: Update on Dad

Hi All,
I just wanted to give you an update on Dad. Dad's at a very nice place called KC Hospice House. It is run by the palliative care and hospice organization that we have been using.

Things started going downhill for Dad two weeks ago. He was going to start a new chemo drug. His CT scan on Sept. 16th had shown significant growth. We knew any chemo drug would affect Dad adversely. He asked me what he should do and I told him not to do it. I asked the nurse practitioner at an appt. on Sept. 26th the prognosis with the chemo and she told me three to six months. Dad opted not to take treatment. He already had a tumor in the lymph nodes at the base of his right neck that had popped up three days earlier.

On Monday, Sept. 29th, I called our social worker to get Dad transitioned over to hospice care. One of the admissions people came and spoke with us the following morning. we had to have all the equipment switched out due to billing purposes. After that, it has been a steady decline in Dad.

He has gone from semi-independence to complete dependence in a matter of two weeks. Dad was never relaxed here at the house. He had a lot of anxiety. His breathing has changed. In fact, when he was here at the house, Dad would complain that he was not getting enough oxygen. He would constantly change his tubing or make one of us do it. He lost the ability to walk Monday night. He fell at least six times between 8:30 PM and 4 AM Monday night and Tuesday morning. At one point, someone sad he saw his Dad who passed away on July 22, 1991.

Tuesday morning, I left a message for our social worker that we had a really bad night. We had met with her on Monday so she knew what our situation was. She returned my call and started getting things in motion to get Dad admitted to Hospice House.

Dad was transferred to Hospice House shortly after 5 PM. The EMTs allowed me to ride up front in ambulance. My two oldest brothers stood out in the front yard as the ambulance pulled away. I thought that I was going to lose it when we started pulling away from the house. It was a very emotional ride.

I got Dad admitted. That took about 30 mins.

Everyone is so nice at Hospice House. Dad is getting wonderful care. He had a lot of visitors last night. He had 26 visitors including me. We have some relatives from out of town. We were too noisy. They showed us a room that was available to families. It has a piano and a kitchenette. When we have a large number of visitors we need to leave the room, we can send them to that room if it is available.

My dad is in the process of dying. It is a matter of time before he passes. I am sad but relieved. I saw my dad struggle so badly before he was transferred to hospice house. He is now relaxed.

Today Dad is not as coherent as he was yesterday. I can see the subtle changes.

Right now I am at the hospice house and will be staying with my dad overnight.

I will update later.

Kristi
_________________
Dad - Andy, 70, diagnosed with SCLC in May 2008
2/20/38 - 10/15/08 Fly high, Dad!
Mom - Jackie, 67, diagnosed with NSCLC in May 2008

bnot · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 12:27 am Post subject: Re: Update on Dad

I don't know what to say but bless your heart hon. I know its been a wild, and long ride for you.

So glad you get to spend the night there with him. Spend all the time you can with him, that way you can look back with no regrets.

Prayers heading your way.
_________________
In 08/08, they told my 95 year old Mom she had 2.1cm lump in her lung. After cat and pet scan, one doc said its spread to the lymph nodes around her aorta. First biopsy, doc said it was cancer, pathologist said not enough tissue. Second biopsy it showed negative for cancer!

brainman · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 6:10 am Post subject: Re: Update on Dad

Kristi, my heart goes out to you. I know what is was like to see my parent's get weaker by the day and then by the hour. Hugs {{{Kristi}}}

You and your father are in my thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Jim
Site Administrator and long-term cancer survivor
1992 Astrocytoma grade 2, left motor strip
2005 Recurrence this time said to be an Oligodendroglioma grade 3, same location.
My Story Part 1: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=7350
My Story Part 2: http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=8029
Blog http://jimhawkinsport.blogspot.com/

simplyklb · Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2008 6:46 am Post subject: Re: Update on Dad

Thanks, everyone!

It's 6:45 AM here. My dad has made it thru another night. My best friend and youngest brother spent the night with me here at the hospice. Dad woke up once all night. He got some medication and a breathing treatment at midnight. He finally went back to sleep about 1 AM and has been asleep since then.

I had an uneasy feeling all day yesterday and I still have it.

I better get back to my dad. I will update later.

Kristi
_________________
Dad - Andy, 70, diagnosed with SCLC in May 2008
2/20/38 - 10/15/08 Fly high, Dad!
Mom - Jackie, 67, diagnosed with NSCLC in May 2008

koikkeril · Super Moderator Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 334

Kristi...
I want you to know I am sending you my heart felt love from India..

God Bless you and your Dad...Koik
_________________
Husband diagnosed with stage 1V NSCLC Febuary 2007.....Lost his battle August 27th 2008 but lives on in my heart.

simplyklb · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 9:34 am Post subject: Re: Update on Dad

Hi All,
Thanks Koik!

Dad is still with us. He is slowly making the transition from this life to the next. I see changes in him every day. He slept most of the night.

My best friend and I stayed overnight with Dad. He woke up at 5:20 AM and was awake for 30 to 45 mins. Dad's been sleeping since then. I was able to get plenty of rest. I actually feel rested. I am going to go home for awhile today to take care of things.

Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers! They mean so much to me and my family.

Kristi
_________________
Dad - Andy, 70, diagnosed with SCLC in May 2008
2/20/38 - 10/15/08 Fly high, Dad!
Mom - Jackie, 67, diagnosed with NSCLC in May 2008

ksplat · Posted: Sun Oct 12, 2008 5:09 pm Post subject: Re: Update on Dad

Dear Kristi
My heart is heavy as you go through this final transition with your Father. I have recently experienced the passing of my dear Bro & know so well how you must be feeling at this time.
Ensure you get moments & periods of "down" time for yourself too. Very important!
My Prayers & Thoughts are with you.
Cheers, Angie.
_________________
Brother diagnosed with GBMIV Feb 07
Treatment: Radiotherapy, Temodal, Gliadel Wafers, Dexamethasone, Keppra, Dilantin, Clexane
Went to our Heavenly Father after a 19mth battle,, 47 years young.
23 Sep 2008
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?p=19227

"Without Faith We Have Nothing"

koikkeril · Super Moderator Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 334

Kristi

I am thinking of you.....

Are you OK? God Bless you and your father and family...
You are in my thoughts and prayers.....
KOIK
_________________
Husband diagnosed with stage 1V NSCLC Febuary 2007.....Lost his battle August 27th 2008 but lives on in my heart.

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