Lucy passed away at 10:45 PM CDT tonight (Friday). Her passing was peaceful. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Please keep Lucy in your thoughts and prayers.
Category Archives: hospice
Two weeks at home
Lucy is still with us. She has been home now for two weeks. I can honestly say that she is comfortable and relaxed. She does have some periods of tension, but I am learning how to better manage those.
The hospice volunteers have been so amazing so far. I have been administering Lucy’s comfort meds round the clock for the past four days with some dosage and timing adjustments to help keep Lucy as comfortable as possible. Having the volunteers here helps relax Lucy, and I can get some power naps or complete some errands. Checking items off a “to do” list is very satisfying. Something as simple as having lunch with my parents away from the house helps keep me refreshed.
Two Janes have been here today. Volunteer Jane did a phenomenal job at getting Lucy to relax. Her background included being a psychotherapist for a number of years in addition to working within the healthcare profession. Lucy really enjoyed the hand massages and the soothing voice. Nurse Jane checked on Lucy’s condition, reviewed the meds log, and observed how peaceful Lucy was. The meds do not need adjusting which is a relief.
I haven’t been doing daily updates because Lucy’s condition has not changed much. Our gardens, however, are surprising me with how early some of her flowers are blooming. Our miniature irises are already blooming about three weeks early. The daffodils are already done for the season, and the early tulips and lilac bushes will bloom in the next couple of days.
We are so thankful for all the love and support everyone so generously gives us. It helps gives us comfort and strength and we are so grateful to you all!
Filed under cancer battle, gardening, hospice
It takes a village
Lucy is still with us. However, she was extremely tired all day. At this point, I do not think she will be able to wake up enough when she has company anymore.
The amount of resources available for hospice is amazing. Lucy’s aide came by to wash her hair and freshen her up a bit. Lucy’s hospice nurse, a nursing student, and the social worker came by to see Lucy. A volunteer came by to sit with Lucy for a couple of hours. The volunteer is a nursing student at Normandale College and wants to specialize in hospice care. I used the time to get my hair cut and my parents mowed our lawn.
All the people involved with hospice are helping make our burden lighter. We are so fortunate that some people choose to help families facing loss of a loved one. The level of compassion and professionalism is so high. They have been so patient and supportive when I have called.
We wish all of you the best and thank you for caring!
Filed under cancer battle, hospice
“Monday, Monday”
Lucy is still hanging tough though her body is slowing down even more. She is managing to wake up for short intervals. Both of her sisters were over today and Lucy managed to smile at them. Even something as simple as smiling or speaking a few words saps her energy. She is resting comfortably and seems very peaceful. Lucy had an aide over to clean her and the hospice chaplain stopped by for a few minutes. For Lucy, that was a very busy day.
My parents came back today. They left early yesterday afternoon because of bad weather that was rolling into their area. Steve and Liz had dropped off a nice Easter dinner on Saturday. My parents and I enjoyed that tonight.
Tomorrow her nurse will be by to check on Lucy. A hospice volunteer is coming over to give me a chance to run errands for a couple of hours. I may choose to nap instead.
Today’s post title is from a 1966 song by The Mamas and The Papas.
Thank you for your caring! Lucy and I deeply appreciate that!
Filed under cancer battle, family, hospice, music
Two year anniversary
Two years today Lucy had her surgery and found out she had ovarian cancer. Today is Easter Sunday for the majority of Christians. One of the messages of the season is that love transcends life and we take comfort in that.
Lucy is still with us. She has been home for nine days. She is resting a lot and occasionally tries to awaken fully. Her hospice nurse stopped by today and told me to stay the course on her comfort medications. Her body is slowing down.
My parents are on their way home. They will be back tomorrow afternoon. Lucy will have a bath aide here tomorrow and may have a nurse stop by. Her case manager nurse will be here on Tuesday. I can manage the remainder of her care tonight and tomorrow.
Enjoy your Easter! Lucy and I will enjoy each other’s company. That is the best Easter present I can receive. Give your loved ones an extra hug from us today!
Filed under cancer battle, hospice