Catherine-Ann / Pure-Grace

Jul. 16, 2022

NURSES THRILLED TO TAKE CARE OF SANTA

Friday, July 15, 2022

7:59 PM

Hi! Today was a better day for Larry. Because he tries, non-stop to cough up the congestion in his chest, the nurses have been deep suctioning. We saw good results from that today, as he was able to comfortably rest for a few hours, without being disturbed by that horrible coughing & heaving. He opened his eyes every now and then, but would go right back to (much needed) restful sleep. When the coughing attacks began again, the nurse was right on it. The physio that helped Larry to sit in a chair, actually remembered his face from GF Strong, where she worked in the 90's.

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER while visiting: Stand on his left side, as he has no peripheral vision on his right. He cannot see you if you stand on his right side. Do not eat or drink in his room, not even water, as he cannot do either. He doesn't always understand that the feeding tube is the only way for now that he is being fed. He says he's thirsty, "Can I have something to drink?" So he certainly does not need us to trigger that, by drinking in front of him. Also, being sure his wrist ties are not loose enough for him to reach his i.v. shunt or feeding tube.

  Larry's nurse today will be his nurse again tomorrow. She quite likely will say that he is her all-time favorite patient. She was so wonderful with him and with us. When she saw a photo of Larry as Santa, she went koo-koo! She spent so much time in his room today, she feels like family. 

   Again, we are thrilled to have a private room for Larry's sake and for ours for the best quality of visits.  Hopefully tomorrow will be even better than today. It is sure needed after the last couple of days of struggle & unrest related to that horrible coughing.

 I've had 2 fairly good nights of sleep. I'm noticing it right now, as I am not as wiped out as I usually am. A dear friend responded to last night's update, expressing her sadness & longing to come & take care of me. I'll share my message to her, as it applies to so many who feel the same. I know she won't mind:  "I'm so grateful to go home @ night to my quiet house. So much stimulation ea. day after 2 yrs of isolation & quiet. The timing is amazing, as I just started driving again, mid June because of side effects of chemo.

Yesterday was the longest time alone with Larry, I loved it.  My bells palsy is taming down with face massage. It is not an issue. Although I am not with friends in the flesh, I have the sense of being in their ( your) presence, being held in your heart, as you are in mine. This journey is extraordinarily awful, while beautiful at the same time.

I have never eaten so much fruit & vegies on a regular basis, as in these 2 wks. I have wasted food (in my fridge) from the 1st wk, but have been good this wk. The gift of a meal lasts a few days.

Thinking of you with love and so much gratitude. God bless you 

Now...lets get a tissue &  Carpe dium!"