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| Lucky Man |
Having come to the realization that dad is not going improve in rehab, arrangements are made to take him home with hospice. Thanks to the help and support of Dr. Parks and her office, paperwork is completed to spring dad from rehab. While the facility was good and people visited everyday, dad's depression and lackluster attitude deepened. Despite Barbara and Walter's valiant efforts, radiation treatments seem less important than going home. Arranging transport home by stretcher proves challenging last minute.
Getting a ramp on the house suddenly becomes a necessity. While you can pay people, sometimes you cannot thank them enough. Teddy and Danny are incredible. The ambulance crew loves the ramp. How special for dad that family members, other than his children, are willing to put themselves out so he can come home! You guys are the best. Karen has been instrumental in helping dad maintain his lifestyle and helping me keep my sanity. Chris and Richard, thanks for visiting dad in the hospital - he was always looking for you. I will be forever grateful to all of you.
Dad is exhausted by the trip but all smiles. His dog puts his head on dad's shoulder as he reclines in his chair.I worry he may not wake up. John shows up and I am happy for the support and help as we sort things out.
Day 1 - Dad is so happy to be home. For the first time in days, he eats something solid at dinner time. His spirits soar as his sister Florence comes to visit. There is no way he can be left alone in the house for any amount of time. He can help transfer himself but that's all. This is a tremendous change since his fall. I am encouraged to have him home but tired from the amount of care. 3 ozs. of yogurt and a small dinner are not going to sustain him.Only mild waves of panic and despair wash over me as I watch John drive off. Walter cheerfully comes by in the evening and helps get dad to bed - very grateful for the support.
Day 2 - Dad wakes up and tells me he "feels funny". My hear sinks and quickly give him the short list of questions for stroke.He passes them but is not his usual self. More worrisome news. The cancer on his chest is bigger and now starting to weep. Radiologist agrees stopping treatments is the right thing to do and is worried about infection. Holly (the hospice nurse) determines dad's vitals are good and shows me how to clean and bandage the area. Long talk with Holly about stroke options and coming to grips with the decisions I will have to make. Nothing like a jolt of reality to intensify your existence. Looking at this cancer growing and protruding from his chest, I know she is right. I am so thankful for the love and support of my family. I know how traumatic this is for my brother and my heart goes out to him. John, Eric, and Tristan, I love you all. Tomorrow we tackle trying to set up coverage for dad to supplement hospice services.In the meantime, I watch the sunset and listen to the wind sweep off the water.
