This is a tough one. Joyce has come to the decision that she is going to start hospice since there is nothing that will help her reduce the cancer that has progressed in her body. At this time the liver and the brain are the parts being affected. The goal from the beginning was to mitigate the pain and we have been successful so far in that regard. We did not foresee the brain as part of the equation and that presents a different set of obstacles with which to deal.
Headaches, cognitive challenges and coordination have presented themselves as formidable. We are challenging the headaches with steroids and they have helped immensely.
The cognitive challenges and coordination are not really treatable with a prescription. Walking, while possible in the past, is not an easy task now for Joyce. Her brain will not let her process the necessary function to get her feet moving for her. What used to be automatic has to be thought out and sometimes not successful in the attempt. So moving from room to room is not an easy option at this time. The hospice staff with whom we are meeting will figure out the best place for her to be in the house moving forward.
Communication has become a challenge for her as well. She hears and understands the first part of a conversation, but then, as she describes it, “It gets mixed up.” She is becoming limited, at times, to one or two word responses. And those have to be thought out for a while before she presents them. Other times the conversation flows pretty freely. So, as we have through all of this, we live one day at a time and are thankful for the positive days. I recognize and understand this from when my father was dealing with his Alzheimers. Joyce’s is different in that she is aware of what is going on around her but it is just difficult, at times, for her to respond in real time.
Of course we realize this was going to be the eventual fate of her disease. It is a time of sadness but also a time of acceptance. So, here at Peaceful Pines we will provide a safe oasis where she can be as pain free as possible and cared for until her journey’s end.
4 comments:
Oh dear Gary, thanks for sharing this difficult journey. May hospice bring resources and confidence to ease these precious days. Your love is so beautiful to witness.
I’m so sorry to hear things have progressed to this point. I pray for strength and peace for you both.
My heart ❤️ just breaks for Aunt Joyce. So many tears for each and every one of you. I continue to pray for her and that the Lord gives her as much comfort as possible. All our love.
Gary - My loving thoughts are with you and Joyce every day. Both of you have bravely fought this disease together and your love for each other has given you the strength to do so. May these days ahead be in comfort and peace.
💕💕💕
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