From Wendi: I realize it's been a while since our last update, and I apologize, as I know there are many relying on this blog for Dad's current status... life has been a bit rough around here. Recently Dad became convinced that he had swallowed a tube or the lid to a tube of some sort of moisturizer cream. He has swollen lymph nodes on both sides of his neck and is also very dehydrated. He probably had an hallucination at some point which fit in with the feelings of the pressure of the lymph nodes. We have been with him constantly and even when we aren't, there is not much within his reach, and certainly not tubes of wrinkle cream. On Friday night, he was so concerned with the obstruction in his throat that he insisted he needed to go to the ER. Friday was Robin's night (Tony, Robin and I are taking turns spending the night so he never has to be alone). At around eight in the morning I met Robin at the ER at Palo Alto so he could get some sleep. After about 7 hours in the ER, and visits from the ear, nose, and throat doctors, he was transferred back to Menlo Park. Just to be clear, he did not swallow anything, but the doctors and nurses have been very accommodating and understanding and went along with everything, never belittling him or suggesting that it was not real. For this we are all very grateful, because as humble as he can be, he is also very proud, and to insinuate that his reality is not the reality of others would be an insult.
Last night I stayed with Dad and we had a fairly uneventful night. There is a hole in one of the ceiling tiles and he asked me if I saw it. I said yes, and he said "it's a crow!" I said "no, it's just a hole in the ceiling tile." He shrugged and said OK. Initially, most of his hallucinations were due to medications. At this point, they are not. He is very close to death, and we are all here helping him to be comfortable in his last moments/days.
Lastly, I will be changing the front notation on the web page, but instead of donations for burning man, we will be accepting donations to make his funeral as much to his specifications as is possible. We have found a place in Sedona which will be perfect for him. Anyone who can attend will be happily welcomed, although we can't yet say when...
Peace and love to all!