Calls and Short Visits Welcome

We're getting settled into the hospice thing. We had an enrollment visit from one nurse on Friday and got Cheryl's hospital bed and table ordered for Saturday delivery. A weekend/night nurse came out Saturday morning and did an initial assessment on Cheryl and had to do some more data entry into the system. She made a few recommendations on bathing and mobility issues to help with her care.

After lunch, Jason, Sharon and Dylan called to let us know that they would be arriving shortly and then the hospice delivery driver called to say that he was on the way with the bed. I helped Cheryl into the bathroom to freshen up and stepped into the den to get things ready for the bed delivery. I'd only been away from her about one minute when she called my name and I turned to see that she had fallen in front of the bathroom vanity. After untangling her and the walker, I was able to get her back on her feet and settled in the recliner in time for Jason and the delivery driver's arrival.

Sunday went well for Cheryl, she is showing definite signs of weakness and is having additional pain in her lower back but we are able to keep things under control with regular doses of high octane pain meds. It was very difficult day for me as I ended our Sunday morning service by asking our loving church to grant me a leave of absence during this difficult period. They graciously consented and have offered to continue my salary. I am especially thankful that Dr. Craig Dunham is willing to step in and provide preaching and pastoral support for the church during my absence.

Hospice is still on holiday schedule today, so we have not yet had a visit from Cheryl's assigned case worker. The nurse that came out today checked her vitals and gave me some hints on helping Cheryl move across the bed more comfortably. Per the instructions we received from the intake nurse, we've been charting Cheryl's pain medication. Based on that, the nurse conferred with the doctor and they have decided to put her on the timed release Fentanyl Patch. This should avoid the peaks and valleys that she's been experiencing with the other medications.

Keep us in your prayers as we travel this final leg of the journey. We've had 32 good years of Home, great care at the Hospital, the nurturing of Hospice and the promise of Heaven. God has been faithful through each step along the way.