Medications Stop; 24-hour Care Begins; June 24, 2009

For the last while, Craig’s medications to keep treating one symptom or another kept increasing, instead of decreasing. When the proposal came to us this afternoon to add one more that would keep his lungs and heart functioning, we entered into a consultation with our hospice nurse. Craig is on a high enough dosage of steroids at this point to be very clear in his understanding and clear in his brief responses. He has emphatically indicated that he wants all primary medications stopped.

We were also at the point today where he could no longer safely swallow pills and we would need to crush them and put them in applesauce, pudding…

Hospice licensed practical nurses will now monitor Craig on a 24-hour continuous care basis here at the house to watch for and help us deal with seizures, brain swelling, pain, and so on. We have plans in place to respond as appropriate and needed. He is okay with us administering medicine for pain and to calm his coughing – comfort management only.

He spent the last 2 hours listening to spiritual music and is now peacefully resting. Because he’s already had his full dose of steroids today and his morning anti-seizure medications, it is likely that it will still take some time for both reactions to the absence of medicines to set in and his body to actually start to shut down.

The hospice spiritual care person was here this afternoon and gave me a Reiki treatment after the decision was made…that was helpful. I’m doing my best to stay calm and centered and know that all of your prayers are what is helping hugely.

Much love,

Susanne