Well, today is the last day I will be relying on friends to stay with Nancy while I am at work. Owen DeBoer, who stayed with Nancy early this morning, noted that I have to help Nancy with just about every move she makes -- for performing even the simplest of tasks... like standing up and turning around or changing her position in the bed. On Monday, we will begin having assistance from a "health care aid" named Annie Ellison, who will be here every weekday from 8 am 'till 2 pm to help Nancy with daily care needs. Having Annie here for 6 hours a day will give me enough time to get work done at the university and still have some quality time at home with Nancy each day. Our neighbor, Janny told me that she could be here for awhile before Annie gets here if I would need a little extra time at work on any given day.
Nancy's regular hospice nurse, Janet, phoned me at work this morning to let me know that Nancy may now be overloaded with fluid after having been dehydrated for so long. Getting this fluid thing right without lab tests is really an inexact science. Janet said Nancy's tissues were puffy and appeared to be getting some edema -- especially in her ankles -- although Nancy hasn't complained of any discomfort. So, we are now reducing Nancy's IV rate somewhat to correct the problem. We are making several little "care-related" changes in Nancy's daily care routine as we find that they help her be more comfortable as her strength decreases. The hospice philosophy of doing what is necessary for the comfort of the patient instead of treating the disease makes more sense after all the "treatments" have become ineffective.
Thanks to our friends, John and Anita Reger, that big limb that fell out of our backyard maple tree in Tuesday's windstorm is now useful firewood. Anita called me after hearing that my chainsaw refused to cut the limb and offered the assistance of her husband, John and herself along with their newly repaired chainsaw to cut up the limb. With their help, it didn't take long to cut up that 20 foot, limb that was about 6 inches in diameter at its thickest part. Since we don't use our fireplace anymore, and they don't have one of their own, they offered to haul off the wood for Anita's sister's fireplace. Not only do they make service calls, they haul out the debris as well. Thanks.
Nancy and I are looking forward to a visit by her Dad, her brother Dick and his family this weekend. We feel blessed to have the love of so many friends and family who have offered to share their time and talents to help us through this difficult time. It is with your generous help that we are able to keep going on with such a positive attitude. Thank you all.
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2 comments:
HI Nancy and Alan...Well, it's finally here...wedding day tomorrow. One more day til freedom!! It is all on automatic pilot now..I've done what I could. The kids sure have been blessed with FABULOUS weather..! Who has ever heard of 70's and 80's with low humidity and in the 60's at night in St Louis in July??
Rehearal dinner was terrific, complete with an ice carving of Beau, their puppy! It was sooo cute! Sharon and her family did a wonderful job. Well, I finally got all the maids dresses altered and need to go to bed now.
I am thinking of you and sure wish you could be there tomorrow. Enjoy your company and the wonderful weather. Love and prayers, Ellen and Wayne and the soon to be Mrs. Brosch
I am so glad Nancy's family is coming down this weekend to see her. This has to be a very difficult time for them as well. I hope Nancy is able to enjoy the company. Please don't hesitate to ask if you need ANYTHING at all. I would like to do something to make your job easier. The Holdredge/Brosch wedding was beautiful and several people asked about Nancy. We continue to pray for you.
Bev
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