The day is waning and Jerry is still holding on.
He has had a good day with his vitals and was put on meds to help maintain his blood pressure levels. He is no longer using the pressure mask for oxygen instead moving back to the oxygen hose into his nose. He actually seems to be breathing easier this way.
At our request, they did draw some blood late this morning to let us know how everything stand.s As suspected, his liver is no longer processing anything; his kidneys are failing and his blood pressure is dropping.
Jerry is not speaking too much today. It seems to zap him of energy and strength and we've decided to let him do as little as possible.
We have spoken to a few people here in the Palliable Care unit to help everyone cope and (eventually) move forward. The kids are dealing as well as can be expected, the adults are doing exactly like you think they would be doing.
It has been a long day, and the evening hours will be equally as long and harrowing.
Monday, January 12, 2009
A Matter of Time
The clock is winding down and the inevitable is upon us.
Jerry is done fighting the good fight and is now remaining with us in comfort for his last amount of time. How long that will be is now up to him.
Mom, dad, sisters, nieces and nephews; cousins and dearest long time family friends are with him at the moment. Those that were here and couldn't remain for various reasons are here in spirit and are being kept updated regularly.
The "old neighborhood" came en masse last night and visited as well - sharing storeis of Ally McBeal night and other fond memories from back in the day.
We managed to have a "slumber party" if you will with about 20 people here all night in the waiting room. We have shared some memorable stories and antics of Jerry while also brinigng a lively decibel level to the ICU halls at 2:00 am.
Jerry rested comfortably last night and his vital stats have remained unchanged. His blood pressure is dropping, but his oxygen and heart rate are still very good. He has agreed to put the oxygen pressure mask on to help him breath, but at this point, other than the pain meds - that is the only assistance he is receiving medically.
It seems he is no longer quite lucid (although, it is 8am so he could have been out of it due to sleep). Not even Aunt Barb singing "You Sexy Thing" seemed to register with him.
He is back to facing outside and the cityscape of Kansas City for his last views, along with various family picutres and notes on the wall for him.
We will all remain by his side until such time that he decides to move on to his next step - hoping that is a long time coming.
Jerry is done fighting the good fight and is now remaining with us in comfort for his last amount of time. How long that will be is now up to him.
Mom, dad, sisters, nieces and nephews; cousins and dearest long time family friends are with him at the moment. Those that were here and couldn't remain for various reasons are here in spirit and are being kept updated regularly.
The "old neighborhood" came en masse last night and visited as well - sharing storeis of Ally McBeal night and other fond memories from back in the day.
We managed to have a "slumber party" if you will with about 20 people here all night in the waiting room. We have shared some memorable stories and antics of Jerry while also brinigng a lively decibel level to the ICU halls at 2:00 am.
Jerry rested comfortably last night and his vital stats have remained unchanged. His blood pressure is dropping, but his oxygen and heart rate are still very good. He has agreed to put the oxygen pressure mask on to help him breath, but at this point, other than the pain meds - that is the only assistance he is receiving medically.
It seems he is no longer quite lucid (although, it is 8am so he could have been out of it due to sleep). Not even Aunt Barb singing "You Sexy Thing" seemed to register with him.
He is back to facing outside and the cityscape of Kansas City for his last views, along with various family picutres and notes on the wall for him.
We will all remain by his side until such time that he decides to move on to his next step - hoping that is a long time coming.
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