Written by: CBR1000gRRl 8/5/2009 8:48 PM
This is Robin on Wendi's log in. Current status for John: trying to keep comfortable, not able to swallow anything at this point, in and out of a dozing state but mostly still lucid. We are keeping on top of the staff here to get meds on time for the most part but last night was a little difficult because it was the first night with injections instead of oral medication. He has a patch as well but apparently that takes about 12 hours to kick in. We are still waiting on it to do the job so he has the injections in the mean time. I know that everybody is anxious for news but there has really been little change here. Wendi, Tony and I are hanging in here and I think maybe a little bit on autopilot. We have been taking turns staying the night (last night was mine) to make sure the staff don't bother dad too much and to make sure that his needs are meet as quickly as possible. As an example I chased a nurse out who came in at 4:30 in the morning to take his blood pressure when he had only just gotten a little sleep but if we need anything from them it seems to take at least half an hour.
3 comment(s) so far...
Re: Update from Robin Thanks for you and your sisters doing this, Robin. I wish you all many blessings. Give John a nod for me! I love you all!
Re: Update from Robin
Thanks for you and your sisters doing this, Robin. I wish you all many blessings. Give John a nod for me! I love you all!
Re: Update from Robin Sorry to hear that the meds take long to kick in and that he has injections now. What kind of meds are in that wonderful patch he is able to receive? I wonder why they don't put him on an IV of morphine for pain relief which is quite common. If he has any anxiety, then they can also administer ativan thru the IV. You could inquire about this if you wanted to. So good to read and hear you all to keep on top of John's comfort and care, which is greatly appreciated as you've all turned out to be great kids and I know John is proud of you all. From my own personal experience with hospice care (and they are many), I do know it is not uncommon for nursing staff to take a reading of blood pressure in the very early morning hours as this is the very indicator of a noticeable change (sudden drop) as to the patient having precious time left (from within an hour to a few minutes of the last heart-beat/breath) when perhaps all the family could still be notified to be present. My own father's blood pressure was checked in this way daily and we were grateful to all be at his side at the crucial last moments to hold his hand and he did infact open his eyes and take one last look around at us all before he left the planet as we reassured him that it was okay to go on. Thank you for being there for John as we know how much he loves his family as he often shared with his face all aglow when he spoke of you all. Jacquilyn Lovin You-All.
Sorry to hear that the meds take long to kick in and that he has injections now. What kind of meds are in that wonderful patch he is able to receive? I wonder why they don't put him on an IV of morphine for pain relief which is quite common. If he has any anxiety, then they can also administer ativan thru the IV. You could inquire about this if you wanted to. So good to read and hear you all to keep on top of John's comfort and care, which is greatly appreciated as you've all turned out to be great kids and I know John is proud of you all. From my own personal experience with hospice care (and they are many), I do know it is not uncommon for nursing staff to take a reading of blood pressure in the very early morning hours as this is the very indicator of a noticeable change (sudden drop) as to the patient having precious time left (from within an hour to a few minutes of the last heart-beat/breath) when perhaps all the family could still be notified to be present. My own father's blood pressure was checked in this way daily and we were grateful to all be at his side at the crucial last moments to hold his hand and he did infact open his eyes and take one last look around at us all before he left the planet as we reassured him that it was okay to go on. Thank you for being there for John as we know how much he loves his family as he often shared with his face all aglow when he spoke of you all. Jacquilyn Lovin You-All.
Re: Update from Robin To your dad --- Safe Journey our dear friend John! --- Wendi, Robin, Erin and Tony and family - our heart is with you. Good for you to keep on top of the nursing staff. They have so much to do and so many times just forget that each person is someone's loved one. To see so much and not become immune is a fine line they walk. Love,Robert and Cat
To your dad --- Safe Journey our dear friend John! --- Wendi, Robin, Erin and Tony and family - our heart is with you. Good for you to keep on top of the nursing staff. They have so much to do and so many times just forget that each person is someone's loved one. To see so much and not become immune is a fine line they walk. Love,Robert and Cat