Last Thoracentesis Procedure
December 29, 2008
December 29, 2008
Our Girls!
Stephanie, our daughter-in-law (Eric's wife), and Michelle, our daughter,
have been by our sides through this entire journey.
Nani, my best friend and Sister of My Heart
She is truly an Angel, walking hand-in-hand with me, every step of the way.
Dearest Family & Friends,
David has decided that he no longer wants the Thoracentesis Procedure, which drains the fluid from his chest cavity. The procedure is quite painful, takes a lot out of him, and is needed every 3-4 days; not to mention that there is a considerable amount of risk each time. As you can see from the above pictures, David looks very 'drained,' and is so weak that he's in a wheelchair, however he wanted us to take the pictures so we would have memories of possibly our last time together...
Since he will no longer be having this procedure, the lungs and chest will fill with fluid and at this point it is only a matter of approximately 3-10 days before he leaves this world, possibly 2 weeks at the most. The Hospice Nurse told me today that David will go quickly at this point...
I am still amazed at how brave David is, and how he never complains. As of today, David is confined to bed for the most part, because he is barely mobile, and is quite confused. However, he still hasn't completely detached from me, and is still moved when I tell him I love him, and always responds with a tearful, 'I love you too.'
I actually began writing this blog on Monday (it is now 2:30 AM on Wednesday). Since Monday, the situation and David's condition have worsened. Since choosing to not do the draining procedure, he is almost completely filled tonight, with the fluid pressing on his lungs and his breathing is quite labored. Knowing that he has chosen to not 'drain' again, keeps me very worried about having an emergency situation that I can't handle at home.
My main worry is that I don't want David in excruciating pain, which is why Hospice helps with this end of life process. Also, at this stage, with David (who is a larger man), and so heavy and slow from the painful edema, it's hard for him to move, or walk, and with me being much smaller than David it is very difficult to care for him, which is both a danger to him, and very hard on me. So, after talking to the Hospice nurse tonight, we will be transporting David via ambulance to the Hospice Center tomorrow, in the late afternoon.
Once again, my heart is breaking beyond belief, as we walk the last few steps of our journey. David will be given the best, comfortable care in the center, which I believe at this point will be best for him. I do NOT want him to suffer, and I am not a professional caregiver.
A special thank you to Mark & Tracy and Paul & Marta who traveled quite a distance, not feeling well themselves, for such a short visit. And to David's cousins: Tom & Henk, who traveled from London, and Peter & Saundra from California. Also, thank you to Charles & Christine, Chris Ladines, Dave Anderson, Neill Ainslie, Brett & Nancy Olson. Thank you so very much for taking time out of your busy lives to make the journey all the way out here to our home to love on our precious David.
A HUGE thank you to Nani for coming last week from Minnesota to stay with us, and for working around the clock to care for David with me, which is not an easy task. She has also been making lists for me, and helping me to prepare for the memorial service. And thank you Walt, for allowing your wife to come stay with me for such a long time, while you're in Minnesota; so far away from your love of 34 years!
David's Aunt Marta is here tonight; sleeping downstairs with David so I can get a good night's sleep. Nani took a night off, and will be back later today.
In the midst of this horrific tragedy I have been blessed beyond what I ever could have imagined by loving, caring people surrounding me with support; from family and friends to neighbors and co-workers!
God does send many Angels into our lives, and I am so grateful, humbled and honored by all who have been sent to us.
David and I have both been blessed by our employers: Skyline Properties and Park Avenue Construction, who have stood by our sides through this entire journey; and like I said before, companies are not like that in this day and age. So thank you: Pete & Ron, and Charles & Christine for your continued support.
I've been asked by many of you that when we come to this part of the journey if I would please just write a little something each night to keep everyone updated. I will most certainly try; it's also good for me.
Thank you for loving us.
We Love You,
Linda & David
Since he will no longer be having this procedure, the lungs and chest will fill with fluid and at this point it is only a matter of approximately 3-10 days before he leaves this world, possibly 2 weeks at the most. The Hospice Nurse told me today that David will go quickly at this point...
I am still amazed at how brave David is, and how he never complains. As of today, David is confined to bed for the most part, because he is barely mobile, and is quite confused. However, he still hasn't completely detached from me, and is still moved when I tell him I love him, and always responds with a tearful, 'I love you too.'
I actually began writing this blog on Monday (it is now 2:30 AM on Wednesday). Since Monday, the situation and David's condition have worsened. Since choosing to not do the draining procedure, he is almost completely filled tonight, with the fluid pressing on his lungs and his breathing is quite labored. Knowing that he has chosen to not 'drain' again, keeps me very worried about having an emergency situation that I can't handle at home.
My main worry is that I don't want David in excruciating pain, which is why Hospice helps with this end of life process. Also, at this stage, with David (who is a larger man), and so heavy and slow from the painful edema, it's hard for him to move, or walk, and with me being much smaller than David it is very difficult to care for him, which is both a danger to him, and very hard on me. So, after talking to the Hospice nurse tonight, we will be transporting David via ambulance to the Hospice Center tomorrow, in the late afternoon.
Once again, my heart is breaking beyond belief, as we walk the last few steps of our journey. David will be given the best, comfortable care in the center, which I believe at this point will be best for him. I do NOT want him to suffer, and I am not a professional caregiver.
RECENT 'GOOD-BYES'
Once again I'd like to thank you for ALL your Acts of Kindness, which have been so very much appreciated, and have truly blessed our lives.
I would like to thank all of our family and friends who have come by recently to say their 'good-byes' to David, as hard as it was. Our precious grand daughters, Bianca and Jada came to love their Gramp with caring compassion, which was the hardest good-byes for me to witness.Once again I'd like to thank you for ALL your Acts of Kindness, which have been so very much appreciated, and have truly blessed our lives.
A special thank you to Mark & Tracy and Paul & Marta who traveled quite a distance, not feeling well themselves, for such a short visit. And to David's cousins: Tom & Henk, who traveled from London, and Peter & Saundra from California. Also, thank you to Charles & Christine, Chris Ladines, Dave Anderson, Neill Ainslie, Brett & Nancy Olson. Thank you so very much for taking time out of your busy lives to make the journey all the way out here to our home to love on our precious David.
A HUGE thank you to Nani for coming last week from Minnesota to stay with us, and for working around the clock to care for David with me, which is not an easy task. She has also been making lists for me, and helping me to prepare for the memorial service. And thank you Walt, for allowing your wife to come stay with me for such a long time, while you're in Minnesota; so far away from your love of 34 years!
David's Aunt Marta is here tonight; sleeping downstairs with David so I can get a good night's sleep. Nani took a night off, and will be back later today.
In the midst of this horrific tragedy I have been blessed beyond what I ever could have imagined by loving, caring people surrounding me with support; from family and friends to neighbors and co-workers!
God does send many Angels into our lives, and I am so grateful, humbled and honored by all who have been sent to us.
David and I have both been blessed by our employers: Skyline Properties and Park Avenue Construction, who have stood by our sides through this entire journey; and like I said before, companies are not like that in this day and age. So thank you: Pete & Ron, and Charles & Christine for your continued support.
I've been asked by many of you that when we come to this part of the journey if I would please just write a little something each night to keep everyone updated. I will most certainly try; it's also good for me.
Please don't ever forget what a precious GIFT that each of our lives are.
Make every day a 'date night!' Love your spouses with ALL your heart!
Go out of your way to touch a life every single day, because we never know what tomorrow will bring.
Make every day a 'date night!' Love your spouses with ALL your heart!
Go out of your way to touch a life every single day, because we never know what tomorrow will bring.
Thank you for loving us.
We Love You,
Linda & David
Seek First The Kingdom Of God
No comments:
Post a Comment