Big Change - Hospice Care -

Shiloh, IL  (Hi 90    Lo 76  )

 In case you haven't been following  our blog, my hubby, Jim, has Glioblastoma stage 4 cancer. I'm writing in detail for those that have the same cancer what we're going thru. It all started May 23, 2021 if you want to look back to previous blogs. 

When things happen for us, it's usually major and fast.  

 Saturday morning wasn't usual. Jim couldn't sit up and very weak. I knew right away it was dehydration and him drink a bottle of water before attempting to move him. He wanted to take the walker to the bathroom and I had a feeling he'd be to weak to stand so  I grabbed the wheelchair and went behind him with the walker. We got the job done but the left  let go this time, no weight on it at all. The right leg hasn't held him up for a long time. He fell right in the wheelchair like it's suppose to happen. (good training). I got him back to his chair in the living room but he wasn't able to put his butt in the chair from the wheelchair and ended up on the floor. He couldn't get himself up at all. I couldn't lift him. I thought about the dog park right beside us that usually has a guy there and sure enough a young guy was there with wife and dog and I got him to help put Jim in the chair. The bed hospice sent out the day before had an air mattress but it wouldn't inflate so I called to get a new mattress. I knew the bed guy was coming out (hospice called right away) and he came an hour or so later. He helped me get Jim into the bed.  He's been there ever since. He doesn't have strength to sit up.  I haven't learned yet how to change bed sheets and clothes while a person is in bed. I was suppose to learn that on Tuesday when the nurse comes out. I did the best I could and then my sister says you can learn it on youtube. I should have thought of that, but now I'm learning stuff from the internet. 

Jim on the floor but at least he was somewhat comfortable. He was relaxing against the chair. 

Everyday this week someone from Hospice was out to help or give advice and teaching. 

Monday: Our friend from Missouri came over to be with us awhile. Steve brought some great beer. Thank you Steve. 

                                            Steve and Jim

The hospice Chaplain came to see if all was going well. I had a few questions from over the weekend so he had a quick contact with the nurse. He's a super great guy and will be with us for the spiritual needs for both of us. 

We had the family over for Kendall's going to college celebration. Jim wanted steak so Frank grilled a steak I made baked potatoes and Angie had baked beans and deviled eggs. Jim ate the whole plate. He sure has a good appetite, which is a good sign. He eats well when he's awake. 

Tuesday the nurse and the CNA came out. The nurse discussed what is ahead and ordered some meds in case swallowing became a problem The  CNA did a full sponge bath and I tried to pick up on what she was doing. She made it look easy. NOT! The rest of the week I tried to do what she did. Poor Jim tossed around or got half way and couldn't move him. Frank came over  to move him in the bed so he wouldn't fall out. I'm just not strong enough. 

Thursday the hospice volunteer coordinator came to discuss someone to sit with Jim while I did errands or need time off.  She will be a backup to Frank if he can't get here. I'll meet with the lady next week that's going to volunteer. I also discussed working in the office for them once this is over. I'll start in the spring. I don't want out in the winter if I can help it. 

Friday the CNA came to give Jim a bath and shave and I learned more on how to change the sheets and the bathroom stuff like the bedpan. He can't move himself so it's been quite a challenge moving him because of  his weight. When I do something crazy, he just laughs. At least he knows that I'm trying and understands. The nurse also came out and wants me to start the oxygen tonight. I know what to do so I'll get that on him. She also went over the meds that finally arrived. She's on call this weekend in case I need her. She's a sweetheart, they all are. They are special angels. I worked two years at hospice in Florida, but now I understand this side of things for home care. I worked in the office. 

                                                        Jim getting a shave. 

On a better note, our grandson, Jack, got his car this week. He's 16. 

This weekend we have several friends and family coming in. Stay tuned for another blog on Sunday night, hopefully, if I have time.