5.11.2011

Update: Hospice

Celia was released from Hospice last week.  She is still dying, but she has been more resilient than anyone expected.  Hospice staff had been unable to document significant decline over the last several months.  Interestingly, at her un-enrollment appointment last week, her temperature was unusually low and she was vomiting, but that dip was short-lived and she continues to maintain weight, to eat several blended foods, to wet diapers, to laugh occasionally, to sleep well.  There are only minor differences in the care that Celia will receive under NCH Palliative Medicine.  Tucker and I spent part of Mother's Day driving to various pharmacies to collect her prescription refills; we've been spoiled having medications delivered to our home for two years.  Nurse visits will be far less frequent, although we can call and ask someone to come at any time.  And when Celia does show signs of disease progression, she will be readmitted to Hospice immediately. 
This week we took Celia to the zoo, and she rested outside on her bench on the patio with us yesterday afternoon.  She is comfortable, and loved, and lacks nothing. 
Other than a crucial enzyme.
JEB

1 comment:

rht said...

This post reminded me of a favorite quote from Kubler Ross...

"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only by the light from within."