I spoke with the nursing home yesterday to make sure Dad got on the list to have his hair trimmed and his facial hairs removed and mustache trimmed. Dad has always been meticulous in his grooming. When his mustache is not trimmed neatly, he continually has his tongue patrolling the edges and I know it bugs him...
While on the phone, his caregiver told me Dad was weighed on Sunday and he has lost 6 pounds this past month. He now weighs 113.
We discussed Mom and my sister's observations when Dad ate his lunch on their last visit and how it seemed it was such work for Dad to chew his food. They also commented on his choking while drinking. The male caregiver agreed and told me he noticed Dad choking too when he drank.
In the later stages of this disease, it is quite common to start having difficulties swallowing. Patients actually forget how to drink, swallow, eat, they keep their eyes closed, talk less, want to sleep more and eventually don't want to eat. We all feel this is where Dad is now.
He asked me if we would like Dad's food ground up for him. I told him I would email the family and get a vote. I emailed everyone and all agreed we should try it.
This morning I received my weekly text from the Hospice nurse, sending me pictures of the cancerous growth on his foot (which continues to grow) and Dad's vitals. 97% oxygen, 115/75 blood pressure, resting pulse rate 17, heart rate 89 and temperature 97.4. No complaints of pain, no grimacing, no moaning, sleepy, appetite this morning 80% in eating his breakfast and weight as of 8-4-13, 113.
I text her back giving her permission to have the Dietitian grind up Dad's food, but we feel if it is not appetizing and tasting good, Dad may refuse to eat it. I really am not too worried as the Dietitian there is an excellent and creative cook. We all drool over his food and it always smells and looks delicious.
We all have been talking to one another or to Mom and it seems everyone is at peace with their relationship with Dad. We all want to make sure everyone is OK because we all know what is coming...It's time to wait and pray....
5 comments:
Your family is always in my prayers. I hope your dad is able to eat a bit more when his food is easier to swallow. It sounds like he is exhausted. I'm so sorry, sending hugs.........dianne
Oh Donna - I know you have been watching and anticipating. It's so hard, and I'll keep praying.
Donna, I'm so sorry. I think about you and pray every day. I don't always comment but I do read every post. Sometimes they are so heavy I don't know what to say. Somewhere out there is a family just starting this journey, and your blog is what they need to keep going, knowing what to expect and how to handle that. Hold on to that.
What a difficult time. I'm sure even knowing it was coming doesn't make it any easier. I just hope there is peace for all your family as things move forward.
Hi Donna, even though I don't always comment, I have still been following your blog. My heart goes out to you and your family. I know it must be really hard to watch your loved one slowly slip away. May God's hand of comfort rest upon you and your family. I just had a friend lose her husband with the same horrible disease. He didn't last as long as your Father has, and he ended up being abusive to his wife. You are so lucky that your Dad always seemed to be in good spirits and that everyone loved him.
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