Monday Monday

Good Morning Family,

Looks like nobody has posted yet.  I'm here.  But, I'll be right back.

I'm back.  Utley is out front, and I had to check on him.  As much as he loves the backyard, he sometimes likes to sit out on my front patio, and survey his kingdom.  Plus, I grabbed the chance to brush him, because he is shedding in clumps, and it's better to get that stuff off him outside.

Colleen called me at 8:15 this morning to say that our doctor could get her in to see him in 30 minutes.  I jumped out of bed, and was at her house in five minutes to watch Frankie.  My poor girl has a bladder infection.  I had gotten her some cranberry capsules at the health food store we go to on Saturday.  So, Frankie and I spent a couple of hours reading, and doing puzzles.  He even let me change him, which he usually fights me on.  

I am finally going to make a meal for Trent's Mom.  Colleen originally asked me to do it over the weekend, but then she made soup for her on Saturday.  Then, her sister-in-law made something yesterday, so I'm making stuffed shells for her today.  Colleen bought the groceries, thinking I can't afford to buy stuff to make a meal.  Silly girl.  

Vickie, you got tons of great advice about the visitors.  I think the best advice was the one that suggested letting Butch's family stay with him so you can take a break.  Even if he just needs to rest while they help with dishes, or tidying.  

Connie, I hope you feel better today.  We had the cold, damp weather yesterday, and my hands were killing me.  Plus, all I did was vegge in my chair all day.  Other than church, I accomplished absolutely nothing.

Must get moving.

Love and hugs,

Trish

Good morning Trish and everyone.....

Trish...you sure can get out the door quickly!! It takes me over an hour to get up....stretch a bit...take care of bathroom needs. I do my readings and prayers. Then I eat breakfast. Most days as I am eating I am also on OFF. I like to check in on everyone. Next I read the newspaper. I then get ready to take my walk. Pick up my mail and then come and rest. Same routine most every day. Boring I know!

I am sure your stuffed shells will be so good!! What kind are you making... Manacoti or Alfredo...or??

I am in a lot less pain today....about a 5 now...that is pretty good for me. I slept so much better too! I just can't get over the weakness/fatigue...I can hardly do anything. I don't know what to think of that...once the flare up gets better that goes away too. I guess it just took a lot more out of me then I thought. I walked real slow today!! 

I will try to post replies if I can. First I am eating lunch and then taking a nap. I am fighting to stay awake.

Have a wonderful day everyone!!

Prayers for all our loyal OFF Family and their families.

Special prayers for some. 

Much love and lots of hugs to all....connie d

Hi Connie,

I'm glad your pain level is less than what it could be.  

The shells I'm making are the jumbo shells, stuffed with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan cheeses, with an egg, and some spices.  After they're stuffed, they're put in a casserole dish, topped with sauce, and more mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then baked.

Love you.

Hello sweet sistas!

This is a very emotional day for me.  We signed up with a hospice this morning.  It was Butch's choice to do so.  He said he simply has to have some relief from the pain.  He's so tired of fighting.  My poor darling.  So all I can do is support him.  We called and have already done our intake papers and had the first visit from the nurse.  His name is Corey and he's a very nice young man.  The doctor, Dr. Garcia, will be out within the next couple of days, but Corey is going to talk with him about Butch's medications this afternoon.  He will probably be getting a different pain med starting this evening or tomorrow.  A liquid morphine?  Never heard of it, but if it works, I will be so grateful.

Anyway, I've already cried a couple of times today.  It's just so emotional for me right now.  I knew this was coming, but it's still a shock to actually take this step.  I'm just so very sad today.

I love each of you and I did read all your posts yesterday.  I'm just too wrung out to respond right now.  I need to sleep awhile.  Try to regain my footing a bit.  

I'll check back in later.  Love you all!

My dear Vickie, 

My heart cries with you. Take time for you and only you today. Do what needs to be done and only that. 

Lean on the Hospice staff for help dealing with this last transition of Butch's life and the transition to the next stage of yours. 

Put the NO VISITORS sign on the door and the DO NOT DISTURB ANNOUNCEMENT ON YOUR PHONE and turn it off. 

You are in my prayers. 

Blessings

Francine

Francine,

I did send an email to his family and told them I was limiting visitors for now.  I promised to let them know when it is all right to visit again.

I know that took a lot of strength. Sometimes saying no is so difficult, and i am glad you did... or at least put some parameters around visitors. 

Prayers and blessings,

Francine

Oh Sweet Vickie, 

I'm so sorry this i****ting you so hard right now.  Please call one of us if you need to cry, scream, vent, what ever you need.  We're here for you.  You can call me anytime.  267-994-7490

I hope they can get Butch comfortable right away.  

I love you, and lift both of you in prayer regularly.

Hugs

Vic,

Let's hope that his blood will stay strong since he isn't getting the chemo which is known to deplete both RBC and WBCs.  The good thing is the pain management that will be provided and then, of course, the next good thing is you will get relief from watching and hearing him suffer.   I know first and foremost it is him and his needs but the sheer pain and agony of watching our loved ones suffer is too much for any of us to stand so over the next few days you should begin to relax a little yourself.  I am keeping both of you in my thoughts.   Rest whenever you can...and once Butch's pain is better controlled, you can plan your sleep to coincide with his deep sleep that comes from stronger pain meds.  I like that Corey is on top of this and already contacting the doctor.  That's good.  Also, there will be a lot of pain meds around so depending upon your neighbors, I'd lock everything up as much as you possibly can to not only protect the drugs but to protect you guys as well...Get some rest.