Well, the time has come when I no longer have only good news to report. Dad, sadly, has not been doing very well the last week or so. The nurses had increased some of his medication last week, and it seemed to help for a few days, but this last week there hasn't been much improvement at all. He's been very shaky (basically having minor seizures or tremors), is sleeping a lot more, and his balance and co-ordination are quickly dwindling. He's not at the point yet where he can't get up out of bed, although he did have a minor fall earlier today and Mom wasn't able to help him up on her own. It's at the point now where she has been contemplating getting 24/7 care from the palliative team, and finally put a call in this evening to get that put into place. I'm not sure how soon that will happen, but I'm assuming it will be this week sometime. Right now they are still coming from 8 am until 4:30 pm and then again from 11 pm until 7 am. But the time has come when Mom just can't do it on her own anymore; she needs the help round the clock.
Fortunately, there are still a few options with his medication. He had blood work done today, and depending on the results of that, the doctors may change some of his medications, or switch up the doses again. Time will only tell if it will be effective or not.
As for how Dad is taking the recent struggle, I think so far, he is still in denial. He talks of getting better and playing soccer again. And he gets very angry when someone suggests that he isn't doing well. He's been increasingly difficult to get along with, which the nurses had said would happen in December, and thankfully, we didn't experience until now. It's the hardest on Mom, since he takes most of his frustrations out on her. I'm sure sometimes it's hard to remember that it's the tumor talking, and not Dad.
So, please continue to pray for us. For strength, for courage, for patience. I'd like to thank each and every one of you that has been following this blog - your prayers and support mean so much to us! Thank you for allowing us to share our burdens with you, and for following along in this journey with us.
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4 comments:
This journey is never an easy one but your faith in God will see all of you through this. The frustrations that your Dad is having is the tumour talking and your mom is one strong lady. Please say hello to her and God will give all of you the strength you need during this time. I pray for your entire family daily.
You are all in my prayers. May God continue to give you the strength that you need every day. Remember that God is holding all of you every step of the way. He never lets go. It's hard to see someone you love so much struggle. May God continue to give your mom strength she needs daily to deal with everything that she has been doing. God Bless all of you as you continue on this gravel road.
Diane
Although I don't comment each bog, I have looked at it pretty much every day, reading the blogs over and also reading the support from all who are with you, and praying for you every day! Our prayer is that you continue to experience God's presence with you. In my devotional today it says 'I am with you always, even to the end of the age' (Matt 28:20. The poem that follows reads:
God's unseen presence comforts me
I know He's always near;
And when life's storms besiege my soul,
He say, "my child, I'm here."
May you experience His comfort and strength.
Our prayers continue....
Love Dorothy, David and family
Blessings to you all.
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