To say Fred is "Hanging in there" would not be accurate. He would be happy to stop this "game." However, the game is not over.
Last evening Todd and family and Mary were here for dinner. Dr. Hader stopped to visit Fred. Fred appreciated that and so did Lois.
Today really was lovely. Todd and Lily and the boys were here. Georgette and Michael came as well. Mary J was here also. We sat around Fred (he was very clear) talked, laugh and maybe cried. His CNA was here to attend him while we enjoyed lunch together.
Matt and Nicholas will be here late tonight.
Things around Casa de Cambio have been quiet, peaceful and loving. Again--we are very blessed.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Update
Well, the boys were here for the weekend. Joseph came with his Dad to visit Opa. There was a smile on Fred's face all weekend. Okay, except when he was in "big" pain. Those boys are very bright and funny.
From Lois' perspective, they are a great help. They cared for Fred, cooked, cleaned and drank beer (at the end of the day).
There were laughs and tears. But it was holy time.
Fred is confined to his bed now. He is only taking water. Only God knows how long this time will be but Fred is at peace and more than ready to go.
Mary J. is flying in tonight.
From Lois' perspective, they are a great help. They cared for Fred, cooked, cleaned and drank beer (at the end of the day).
There were laughs and tears. But it was holy time.
Fred is confined to his bed now. He is only taking water. Only God knows how long this time will be but Fred is at peace and more than ready to go.
Mary J. is flying in tonight.
Friday, January 22, 2010
The weekend
Fred's pain meds have been increased. This affords him more comfort. It also spaces him out. But, he knows the trade off and spacey isn''t so bad.
His boys are coming today! Joseph is able to come with Matt. Matt is picking Nathan up at the airport. Todd is coming alone.
They will get a few things done around the house and spend time with Fred. I hope to take Joe to the Civil War Museum on Sat. He is interested in that and I need to get aired out.
His boys are coming today! Joseph is able to come with Matt. Matt is picking Nathan up at the airport. Todd is coming alone.
They will get a few things done around the house and spend time with Fred. I hope to take Joe to the Civil War Museum on Sat. He is interested in that and I need to get aired out.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
The latest
Well, Fred's pain continues. We are still waiting for the right medication.
His hospital bed arrived today. We had it put up on the family room. He can watch the birds and the squirrels. He can just see outside. Also, he can watch TV and I can be there more than in the bedroom. He can also raise and lower his head and knees.
We had a CNA come in today to bathe him and help me get him to his new bed. She was so nice and Fred was so happy with her that it has been arranged for her to come three times a week. It is for me as well as Fred. I can even go out and do errands while she is here.
If anyone wants to know--------HOSPICE is wonderful!
His hospital bed arrived today. We had it put up on the family room. He can watch the birds and the squirrels. He can just see outside. Also, he can watch TV and I can be there more than in the bedroom. He can also raise and lower his head and knees.
We had a CNA come in today to bathe him and help me get him to his new bed. She was so nice and Fred was so happy with her that it has been arranged for her to come three times a week. It is for me as well as Fred. I can even go out and do errands while she is here.
If anyone wants to know--------HOSPICE is wonderful!
Friday, January 15, 2010
The Day After
Well, if you read the previous post you know yesterday was a nightmare. We knew it might not work and gave it a try.
Fred slept all night and got up for a little breakfast and a littler lunch. He said he might have notices a slight change in his pain.
Fred has also decided against anymore "procedures" . He is being turned over to Hospice per his request. They will medicate him for pain.
Fred slept all night and got up for a little breakfast and a littler lunch. He said he might have notices a slight change in his pain.
Fred has also decided against anymore "procedures" . He is being turned over to Hospice per his request. They will medicate him for pain.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Hang in there
Fred had his "proceedure" done today. All in all it was a very unpleasant experience. Most especially for Fred. The pain clinic was poorly organized. Keeping in mind that Karen was with us. She taught me all I know about HIPPA. There could have been several fines/jail time for breech of confidentiality. I could organize the handling of patients
At this point I could care less about that--just worried about Fred's comfort. Bottom line is that so far it is not affecting him. One of the meds injected will take a day or two to kick in.
The doc was okay. He sees the doc on the 25th. They will do a different procedure next time if this doesn't work.
GOOD GRIEF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At this point I could care less about that--just worried about Fred's comfort. Bottom line is that so far it is not affecting him. One of the meds injected will take a day or two to kick in.
The doc was okay. He sees the doc on the 25th. They will do a different procedure next time if this doesn't work.
GOOD GRIEF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Not much new
Fred continues to be much the same. He sleeps a lot. However, if he's sleeping--he doesn't feel too much pain.
Karen is coming down Wednesday to help me get Fred to hospital (KMH) for his outpatient proceedure. She will also help this technical cripple to have her home phone number transferred to a cell phone.
For those of you who read the update on Fred's weight and didn't figure out that I meant he should never weigh LESS than I--now you know.
My children were raised with one of my oft said lines; "Don't listen to what I said, listen to what I mean!" Can you believe they turned our just great--as well as being skilled in insight?
You will be informed as soon as we find out if the proceedure worked.
Karen is coming down Wednesday to help me get Fred to hospital (KMH) for his outpatient proceedure. She will also help this technical cripple to have her home phone number transferred to a cell phone.
For those of you who read the update on Fred's weight and didn't figure out that I meant he should never weigh LESS than I--now you know.
My children were raised with one of my oft said lines; "Don't listen to what I said, listen to what I mean!" Can you believe they turned our just great--as well as being skilled in insight?
You will be informed as soon as we find out if the proceedure worked.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Grandkids
Here they are! The sled in the pix belongs to William H. Sinkenberg the great grandfather of all. Oma Lois road on this sled with Auntie Norie when they were small enough to fit.
Update
Fred continues as before. However, he will have a procedure that will (hopefully) take away his pain. It will be done on Thurs. morning. We should know right away if it works. We will keep you up to date.
The kids were here and gave him some "entertainment" . However, he was stressed by the pain.
Mary and Lily aired me out at IKEA. We had a lot of fun. Felix joined us and we dropped Mary off and got a grand tour of the farm. Felix showed Lily the horses and all of the stuff that Aunt Mary lives with. He was in heaven.
The kids were here and gave him some "entertainment" . However, he was stressed by the pain.
Mary and Lily aired me out at IKEA. We had a lot of fun. Felix joined us and we dropped Mary off and got a grand tour of the farm. Felix showed Lily the horses and all of the stuff that Aunt Mary lives with. He was in heaven.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Its Snowing!
Well, it is still snowing around here. I did some blowing but thanks to Dennis a gentleman came here last evening and plowed us out.
Thank goodness we don't have to go anywhere. Fred is finished with chemo and doesn't need to see Dr. Hadar until the 13th.
He has been sleeping most of the time. His pain seems less today. He ate a little more today than yesterday.
Todd and family will come today. Matt will drive down and may bring Joe with. Lily is going to spring me for a day at IKEA. Also we get to see some of the grandkids.
Thank goodness we don't have to go anywhere. Fred is finished with chemo and doesn't need to see Dr. Hadar until the 13th.
He has been sleeping most of the time. His pain seems less today. He ate a little more today than yesterday.
Todd and family will come today. Matt will drive down and may bring Joe with. Lily is going to spring me for a day at IKEA. Also we get to see some of the grandkids.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Last time!
Fred had his last radiation treatment today (for pain). We then went to the Hospice office which is very close to the hospital. He saw his nurse and they did some stuff. She will come to the house tomorrow to change his cassette and needle. I would like to convince them that I can change the cassette as it always runs out at inconvenient times. Then another nurse must be sent out to do the job (really a no brainer). I am sooooo cheap.
Fred did have a busy day (busy these days) and is really tired. His pain meds have been increased. His appetite has decreased. He weighs l87 lbs. This has to stop! It was in our wedding vows that he could never weigh more than me. Well, he has another 62 lbs. to go. But I'm getting nervous.
Fred did have a busy day (busy these days) and is really tired. His pain meds have been increased. His appetite has decreased. He weighs l87 lbs. This has to stop! It was in our wedding vows that he could never weigh more than me. Well, he has another 62 lbs. to go. But I'm getting nervous.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
At last
Okay, the title has nothing to do with Fred's condition but rather the condition of our computer and phone system. It is up and working. Thank you Mary Jennifer (she's a lot of points ahead for the "Favorite Child" title). However, Fred and I know that her brothers, being of a competitive nature, will rise to the occasion and break their manly necks to overcome her lead.
And now to the business of Fred's cell game: His last radiation treatment will be tomorrow. Just in time before the weather turns.
His pain remains the same and he is handling his situation like the great guy he is. The great thing about him is that he has no idea how great he is. If you know him you know what I mean.
Will keep you all posted!
And now to the business of Fred's cell game: His last radiation treatment will be tomorrow. Just in time before the weather turns.
His pain remains the same and he is handling his situation like the great guy he is. The great thing about him is that he has no idea how great he is. If you know him you know what I mean.
Will keep you all posted!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Happy New Year!
So far Fred is doing fine at home. We both are more comfortable with this situation.
The nurse from Home Health Care was just here to change bags on his pump.
He is still not eating very much but I keep trying.
Todd, Matt and Mary are here tonight. Todd dealt with the rotoruter guy and Matt is working on getting our telephone and computer service functioning.
The nurse from Home Health Care was just here to change bags on his pump.
He is still not eating very much but I keep trying.
Todd, Matt and Mary are here tonight. Todd dealt with the rotoruter guy and Matt is working on getting our telephone and computer service functioning.
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