Another move
I can’t remember which move this is? Third or fourth? He has now been moved to Hospice Home here in Fort Wayne. It is on Homestead Road, just beyond Liberty Mills, on the right hand side (for the locals). His room # is 12.
Last Friday we were in a Care Plan meeting at the Manor talking and thinking with the administrators there about Don’s care. It was becoming apparent that he was declining to the point he could hardly do therapy and, being a Rehab facility, they can’t keep someone unless they do some therapy every day. Before the meeting Don and I were talking in his room and we, together, came to the decision that we should not go ahead with further chemo therapy, but were still unsure how the kids would feel. We ended up calling them and asking them to take a day (or two) off work to come help us look at all the options and came to a unanimous decision. Since Don’s left side has declined so dramatically in the past two weeks, we knew that bringing him home and caring for him here would be impossible. And, getting him to chemo treatments every two weeks would be just as impossible. Even though the van with a lift was transporting him to the oncologist’s office yesterday, the van driver had to stop twice to work with him to make sure he wouldn’t fall out of the wheelchair because he was leaning so much. His overall weakness is such that he can hardly hold his head up when in a sitting position.
We had gotten information from Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home at an earlier time and we all looked at what they had to offer. The question was whether Don would qualify. Then, we found out that they could move him in for a week of observation and then give us their assessment of his condition. Since there are a number of Medicare rules that apply, at that point, if he got better or no worse, he could stay but we would have to pay room and board. If his condition would worsen then Medicare would continue to cover the cost. It’s sad when your life ends up being managed by your insurance. Oh, well, that’s a whole other matter.
We are already thrilled with the care he’s been given. They cover the whole gamut of the patient’s and family care and want to make everyone involved comfortable, as well, and will do their best to meet every need–no matter what. His first night was a bit rough, but I was able to stay with him in a bed beside him, which was comforting to both of us. We are trusting that he will be able to find rest and peace in being there.
Thank you, again, for keeping us before the Throne of Grace! We are so blessed. Caroline
Praying and fasting for all of you today. May the Lord grant His peace in each of you and may you know that you are deeply loved by us.
LuAnn Fulton
February 9, 2010 at 1:49 pm
My heart is heavy with the news that his condition continues to get worse and he is becoming so weak. I am urging our three kids to pray today as never before that God’s will will be worked out in Don’s life and that He will give you strength Caroline for these trying days. I know something of what you are going through so my mind and heart is thinking and praying for you.
Gerald I. Gerig
February 9, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Phil and I will be praying for you both! With love
Phil & Dorcas Stuckey
February 9, 2010 at 3:17 pm
The peace of Christ be with you both. I am praying every day for you. I love you.
Allen
February 9, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Praying God will wrap both of you in His strong and loving arms as you continue this journey together. We love you and have always been grateful for the good start you gave us in marriage, ministry, and family some 40 years ago.
Doug and Pam
February 9, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Our love and prayers continue to be with you each day. We know the Lord is walking with you and will uphold you.
Marcia VanGelder
February 9, 2010 at 11:58 pm
You and Don are in our hearts and our prayers. I am SO grateful that Scripture gives us images of God as our Anchor, our Rock and our Shepherd. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and he knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7. I remember teaching our three-year old son Mark this verse and asking him questions to see if he got what it was saying. I asked, “What does it mean that God is a stronghold.” He looked up at me as if the truth was so obvious and said, “That means he has a strong hold on you.” And he does! May His face shine on you both….
Gladys Hunt
February 10, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Jane and I have been following your journey with Don for several months. Please give him our greetings, and know that we too are praying for you both.
Kevin Berasley
February 10, 2010 at 2:44 pm
What a difficult decision. I’m praying that God would surround you with his love. May these days be very precious ones of fellowship.
LeAnne Hardy
February 11, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Praying that our unchanging God will give you and Be just what you need in this moment…and in each moment that beats to follow this one.
amyvanhuisen
February 12, 2010 at 1:00 pm
We are grieved to hear of the decline that you have experienced these last weeks. Our prayers and love are with you both and your children. Ralph has often reminded me that life is terminal. Any one of us could be called into God’s presence before you, Don, but we all keep ignoring that. We pray for special grace and wisdom, and a time of precious caring for the entire family.
Ralph and Norma
February 12, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Don and Caroline we continue to pray for you and ask that you sense the comfort of both the Father’s and Son’s hands. John 10:28-30 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
Brent and Marie Jones
Brent Jones
February 12, 2010 at 6:28 pm
To observe the care that you give each other during this challenging time is a beautiful reminder of what marriage should be. You are role models for your family and your friends. You are teaching us and we appreciate your faithfulness to each other and to Father God.
Karin and Jerry
February 12, 2010 at 9:26 pm