Hospice

After some discussion and thought the kids and I decided it was time for Hospice. Although Mike can still get up to the bathroom it is getting harder and harder. Especially at night he needs someone to be with him. We have a walker but he forgets to use it. He has a catheter now but still needs to made many trips to the bathroom because of the diarrhea. Hospice can do a lot that Home Health can't. We loved our home health people but this is a time for doing what's best for Mike. They can do hydration here at home instead of me taking him out to the Infusion Center. They can get pain meds immediately through Dr. Gray who is over Hospice and he knows Mike's case.

We had been planning to have family pictures at Thanksgiving and we have moved it up to Mike's Birthday November 19th. I am torn about having pictures because Mike has gone down hill so fast. We weighed him last Monday and he was at 121 pounds. I've never seen him this low even after colon surgery. I talked with the Bishop last night and he suggested that we go ahead and take pictures then there will be no regrets later.

I found a sticky note from Mike yesterday that was on one of my book marks. It said
"I love you. Barbara you are my sunshine." He has always written me love letters and left me notes, I'm sure I have a drawer full that I've saved. Mike has always been a loving and caring husband, father, son and friend. I will always love him.

Things are progressing faster than I imagined and I had hoped for months if not years. I just don't want him to be in pain.

Love to all, thanks for thoughts and prayers that do so much to sustain us.

Mom