Tomorrow it will be three weeks since Myron came home from the hospital. It hasn't been an easy three weeks by any means, but we are still so glad that he is back home. Myron continues to constantly get weaker, but he still does get up and around a little bit, going from his bed to the table for his meals, to the washroom, and occasionally to sit in the recliner - all with the aid of his walker. He sometimes forgets to take his walker, but the doctor has requested that he use it all the time, because there is a fear that as he get progressively weaker he could fall and hurt himself, and also I am uncertain that I have the strength to get him up if he does fall.
As the days go by I find that Myron is spending more and more of his time in bed, usually sleeping or at least drifting in and out of sleep. We now have nurses coming in daily to check his overall condition, his vital signs, and how well he is eating, drinking, etc. The doctor is also coming out for a visit 2-3 times per week to keep on top of Myron's medical condition and order any increases, changes etc. in Myron's medications. The Fragmin (blood thinner) that Myron was taking has now be permanently discontinued. While this does leave the possibility open for another blood clot, the doctor believes that this danger is less than that of a major bleed if he were to continue using it. We have PSWs coming here every night, to cover the 11 pm - 7 am shift, tending to Myron's needs in order to allow me to get some sleep so that I can care for him the other 16 hours of the day. We also have a PSW coming here on Monday and Thursday afternoons to assist Myron with his shower.
Today we had a hospital bed brought in to give Myron more comfort and security as he spends more and more time in bed. He can now raise the head portion of his bed to a reclining position and be more comfortable than on a stack of pillows as he was using previously. The bed is also positioned so that Myron can watch TV while in bed if he is so inclined. Myron is very happy with his new bed.
Myron in the family room in his new hospital bed
As Myron's health deteriorates he is becoming much more agitated, so we now have on hand a medication that can be used to calm him down when he gets upset. His pain meds have been increased and he is generally free from pain. He does have some additional breakthrough painkillers which he can take if he gets sudden pain between his regular doses. There are other painkillers here on hand that are to be injected, ready to use for him if he reaches a point where the swallowing of the oral medications becomes too difficult for him. Myron is finding it increasingly difficult to hold a conversation as his cognitive processes are impaired, either from the cancer or from his medication - or both. He starts to say something, and before he finishes the sentence he has already forgotten what he was saying. While Myron isn't up for much conversation, he still likes to see his friends and family so if you want to see him, we don't mind your dropping in for a quick visit. We just ask for two things. Firstly, call first to make sure it is a good time as we do have a steady stream of health care professionals in and out of here all day long. Secondly, please keep your visit brief as Myron does tire very easily and it is unlikely that he would tell you so, but he needs his rest.
I think that's about all the news I have for now. Right now my main priority is to keep Myron as comfortable as possible, to prepare his meals so he can eat, dole out his medications at the correct times and make sure he takes them, help him with any needs he has, and most of all to make certain that he feels loved at all times. I will keep you posted as best I can as this dreadful disease continues its progress. Our family and friends continue to be the most supportive and helpful people ever, and we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Please keep us in your prayers.
love,
Wendy (& Myron)
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