Since going into hospice care this past weekend, Cheryl has experienced a rapid decline. Her vision is getting more and more blurry, coordination and strength are waning. By Wednesday evening, she was almost too weak to walk to the bathroom with assistance and on Thursday afternoon her right leg collapsed while we were trying to get her up. The nurse came and inserted a catheter to reduce the necessity of getting up to urinate and gave us some hints on how to help her move for other needs. The nurse did an assessment of her overall condition and consulted with the doctor about doubling Cheryl's Fentanyl Patch to try and get her pain under control. She also made a recommendation to put her on oxygen to make breathing easier.
Last night was a bit disconcerting as she lay perfectly still for seven hours with only shallow breathing letting us know that she was still hanging in there. This long period without being disturbed also had its drawbacks as it took us well over an hour to get her pain under control once she did awaken. Her oxygen machine came in this afternoon and it does seem to help appear a bit more relaxed. It is getting increasingly difficult to get her to take oral meds, since she is having some trouble undertanding what we are trying to do for her.
Family visits do seem to cheer Cheryl up. Michelle and the kids left before midday today and then her two sisters, Joy and Audrey drove down from NC with our dear family friend Elaine. During Cheryl's lucid moments, she is still having reasonably clear communication but these seem to be coming further and further apart.
I had a telephone conversation with her nurse this afternoon and she told me that it appears that Cheryl's body is beginning to shut down. The process varies from person to person, but we don't expect her to hold on much longer.
Please be in prayer that she will be able to talk to the family and friends that want to come by and see her. Also pray for peace for those that don't want to see her in such a state and want to remember her better days.
The kids, I and our families are each handling the grieving process in our own way, but by the grace of God, we know that He will carry us through.
Jud, Don and I had hoped to come down on Saturday, the 21st, but it sounds like that may not be a good idea now. I am so sorry to read that Cheryl is declining so quickly. I'm very thankful for our recent phone visits. Cheryl is such a dear, sweet sister in Christ. Please know that Don and I continue to hold you and her before the Throne of Grace as well as the rest of your family. Tell her I love her and I'm praying for her.
ReplyDeleteThis describes such a rapid change since last week, but there is also peace in the Lord, who has everything under control. Our prayers and love are with you all.
ReplyDeleteThere are no words, so continued prayer for peace from our one true Hope!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Jud. I am praying for her and you like you wouldn't believe. It is going too fast. Cindy M.
ReplyDeletePrayers for God's will for you and your family at this difficult time.
ReplyDeletePrayers for peace that comes only from God she has fought a hard fight love john and mischele lolie
ReplyDeletePrayers Always for you and Cheryl and the kids Jud. It sounds like God has paved a long walkway and he will sustain comfort to her and peace I pray. You are a Rock in Christ. That guides your family through it all. I applaud you for your unfailing Love to A Wife, Mother, and Friend in Christ. Jud we pray for comfort for you our brother. Tell Cheryl we send all our hugs and love her way....
ReplyDeleteLove in Christ,
Bill n Lisa Gantz
Jud, Our hearts go out to you in a huge way! You all have both been such huge parts of our lives. We love you all and are praying constantly for you.
ReplyDeleteNeal & Debbie