"Looking forward" isn't something you'd normally associate with hospice, but as long as you're realistic about the boundaries, it's sometimes possible. Valjean is beginning to look forward to going home -- still in hospice care, of course -- hopefully this week.
On Sunday she took an important step in that direction: she received her oxygen through a nasal cannula (a plastic tube with forked outlet) instead of a mask. And last night she slept with the cannula instead of the bi-pap. She may go back to the mask today, at least for a while, but being able to tolerate the cannula could make things easier for her at home, possibly even allowing us to wheel her onto her back porch to enjoy that beautiful garden. Mary will set the search for 24-hour nursing care in motion today.
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I'm sorry to say I was diagnosed with non small cell lung cancer on December 7, 2007. This journal is to update family, friends and loved ones as this new experience unfolds.
Where do we go from here?
Valjean is gone, but her blog remains. For now, I'll use it to post, one by one, the wonderful eulogies we heard at her memorial mass. After that...who knows?
In lieu of flowers
You are welcome to make a contribution to one of Valjean's favorite not-for-profits: St. Bernard Hospital in Chicago, IL; the Delta Institute in Chicago, IL; the Prairie Zen Center in Champaign, IL; or Knox College in Galesburg, IL.
In lieu of flowers
You are welcome to make a contribution to one of Valjean's favorite not-for-profits: St. Bernard Hospital in Chicago, IL; the Delta Institute in Chicago, IL; the Prairie Zen Center in Champaign, IL; or Knox College in Galesburg, IL.
4 comments:
I contacted a physician friend of mine about home care. Here is her response - I don't have much experience with any particular agency; it depends so much on the individual caregiver. I have heard good things about United Methodist Homes and Services; and All Ways Caring provides good people to the convent where my aunt is in the infirmary.
One of my neighbors is part of a family of health care workers. They are not nurses, however they are companions to the infirm. One of them is tudying to be a nurse at this time.
If you are interested in contacting them, please send an e-mail to parsley43@hotmail.com.
I am sending an email with what I have learned today to Guidi
Dear Ones who are caring for Valjean.
I have had great personal and professional experience with Midwest Palliative and Hospice care associated with Rush North Shore. (Google them to see their services and info) They service city areas also. My "Chicago Mother" spent 10 weeks on the inpatient unit until she died and was wonderfully cared for. I have referred clients of mine for home care and have been quite pleased. By the way, Tell Valjean "hello"--- I am her former therapist, now retired in Wyoming. I am so pleased to know the wonderful friends V. has to see her through this time.
Much love to you all,
Mary Lou Petty
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