Hospice care for dad

Hi all,

Well dad looked much better today. When we went in, he was out of bed and sitting in the chair. He was sleeping, but at least he was up. Then he woke up as soon as we went in. Me, mum and my Aunt went up, then his friends came up later so we left them all to talk amongst themselves. Mum is with her sister right now so I thought I would give them some time together before we go back up to see dad.

Dad had a really good night last night, and got a lot of sleep. They have changed his meds again and they seem to working really well. His new anti nausea med is Met something or other, I forgot the name but it also helps with agitation. That is the only medication he is on just now and it is through the syringe driver over a 24 hour cycle. He is also getting an injection of the same drug I think if needed for sickness and has only had one of these last night. The injection helps him sleep also so I think they are giving him another shot of it tonight.

He has also had food today. He woke up very hungry and was complaining about being hungry, so had rice krispies for breakfast and has had something for dinner, steak pie and potatoes. He was sick a bit after dinner, but only a little bit according to the nurse. He is also talking much more clearly and is thinking a lot better. And it was really good to be able to talk right now, so a good day so far. He saud himself that he is feeling much better than yesterday and I think this new medication is working really well. It has also worked with his hic-cups a lot. I spoke with the head nurse, and she said that it if this medication continues like this then they will keep him on it as long as they can as he is really comfortable just now. Still in no major pain and the have the pain meds on hand for injection if needed. He has also been getting a really dry mouth and they are giving him artificial saliva 4 times a day, which dad says is really helping.

He also now has a water type mattress thing on his bed to help his comfort when lying in bed that will change shape with him as he moves in bed. It does look very comfortable indeed and dad loves the idea of it! It also can be programmed to move on a set time cycle for his added comfort.

I had a good talk with the head nurse and she is really nice, and says that it is a joy to take care of dad. The nurses really are amazing there and it is really good to know that dad is in such great caring hands. Said to dad tomorrow if he is up to it and the weather holds that we can see about getting a wheelchair for him and I will take him out for a walk in the grounds so that he can get out and get some fresh air.

My thanks and best wishes to you all.

Gavin

Hi everyone,

Many many thanks for all your kind words and support. As always, it means so much to me and even more so right now. I have no idea where I would be right now if it wasn’t for all of you.

Dad is getting worse with each day. I spoke with the charge nurse today and she said he has gotten a lot worse overnight, which is strange as he looks and seems to be better than yesterday. They have stopped the fluid drain as it is causing problems now with his lungs and kidneys. They have also stopped all his meds apart from the Haloperidol which he is getting through the syringe driver. He is in no pain really so they have stopped the pain tablets, he can’t keep any tablets down so they have pain killing injections for him if need be. He had an injection this evening which helped with his vomiting and he has had quite a lot of sleep today but nothing to eat at all. He is bringing up more black bile now, but is less confused now so we can talk more than yesterday which is good.

He has been moved to a private room which is much more spacious and comfortable for us all. Now they are just going to treat any of the symptoms that arise that they can and the aim is to keep dad as comfortable as possible. I was told that he only has days left now. We are thankful that he is not in any great pain and is as comfortable is possible.

Julia, thank you. Yes we will share these precious moments with dad and make the most of the time we have left.

Janet, thank you. Yes dad has had a decent innings but has gone down fast since he last went out for a paper. I am thankful that I will be able to be beside him through it all.

Lainy, thank you. And I am proud to be your friend also, as I am to you all. I know that I have to be strong for mum and dad right now, and it is not easy but I will be there for them both no matter what. I know that mum will need me more in the weeks and months to come, and I will be there for her for whatever she needs. I made a promise to dad to take care of her and I will do so, no matter what lies ahead. The journey for dad has indeed been tough, and like you, I hope that this part will be more peaceful for him.

Darla, thank you. I am very glad for the time I had with dad and also for what time we have now. Seeing how happy being able to go horse riding for the first time in his life made dad feel was a joy to see. And each of these 12 sessions was a moment to be treasured and will always be remembered. Yes his comfort right now is the most important thing, and I will do everything I can to make him as comfortable as possible.

Once again, thank you all so much for your support, kind words and for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Gavin