honorable discharge

Well the General has been given an honorable discharge. Dr. Isaccs said that the treatment options are now worse than doing nothing, so they have given Dad a discharge. He has been assigned to a local hospice, and Cindy the nurse came to see them last evening. She was really great, took a pretty detailed history of Dad's cancer; did blood pressure and all that; signed a bunch of papers; and explained all their options and opportunities through hospice.

what an amazing service to the patient and their family. They are basically the primary care givers, and there is not much that you can not ask for. If we go to Ponca, they will alert the hospice there and let them know, so if Dad has problems, we can call and get immediate help! they offer nursing, social worker, and a chaplain. all will be scheduled to come to the house and be available 24/7. The nurse will come once a week initially, and then adjusted as needed. All is covered by medicare, and they will handle all of that too. It is such a hard place to enter, but the way has been prepared by very caring people who's only job is to make this terrible time as easy as absolutely possible.

Dad is really doing very well, with a good sense of humor in place,and a ton on courage. he is having no pain or discomfort, but is a bit more unsteady, and forgetful than before. I guess knowing that the tumors have increased and probably grown, this is not surprising. His appetite is really good, probably because there is such good food wherever he hangs out! but he continues to loose weight, again that darn cancer. Mom is strong, there are moments when she breaks down a bit, but she is right there for Dad, any thing he needs. he is so grateful, and their obvious love for each other is apparent every day. Barb and Marv continue to be their rocks, and anything they need is done before they know they need it. Barb worries an awful lot, and needs to get a lot more sleep!

The Lord has given me time from my job right now which is allowing me to stay here, and just hang out. It is an amazing thing to do. I really can't offer much in the way of help, so mostly I just hang out, we watch TV, I'm knitting a pair of socks, and a hat for Milo. But you know how often do people say they didn't have time to say good bye? I am watching and learning how to live with grace and love in a terribly hard situation. Thank you Mom and Dad for the best example of a lesson that I will take to heart and cherish for ever. I love you Both kris