Currently on day #4 at Menorah. They are still working on managing Jayme's pain and nausea, though both are improved. I asked the Dr this morning what the criteria would be for Jayme to go home. He said it was pain and nausea control and figuring out how to keep him nourished after he leaves here. He is not eating much by mouth, though did eat several spoonfuls of his clear liquid diet this morning. That is all he's had all week. He is currently getting nourishment through his IV 24/7. His digestive system is still slow, but improved.
After all he has been through, Jayme has decided he does not want to endure more chemo in the near future, but has also stated "that is subject to change". And who could blame him. What a warrior he has been. I will definitely need help with him at home, so Dr Myron will refer us to KC Hospice for palliative care when he is discharged from the hospital. For those of you unfamiliar with those terms, there is a difference between palliative and hospice care...
Palliative care (from Latin palliare, to cloak) is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients. Unlike hospice care, palliative medicine is appropriate for patients in all disease stages, including those undergoing treatment for curable illnesses and those living with chronic diseases, as well as patients who are nearing the end of life. Palliative medicine utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, relying on input from physicians, nurses, chaplains, social workers, psychologists, and other allied health professionals in formulating a plan of care to relieve suffering in all areas of a patient's life.
But first things first. Our immediate goal is to get him through this current setback so he is more comfortable and able to go home. Wish I could take all these nurses with me, they are fabulous!
Since I will be his primary caregiver, I have taken a leave from my home health job. On the brightside, I'll get to hang out with Jayme lots. On the downside, he doesn't pay nearly as well!
The outpouring of support continues to astonish me. And please, never think I don't want to be bothered, cause I do!
Thanks for the love,
Kay
Kay,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update. I wish the news were different, but it is so important that all Jayme's well-wishers get the accurate information you have been providing. You too are a true warrior. I find it very scary to live life on life's terms, but it helps me to think of you two, loving each other and showing the way. Thank God Jayme has you.
Bill
I want to listen to another one of Jayme’s wild ideas, or get another scolding from him for some silly thing, or take another chance that I wouldn’t have taken without his urging. I can tell you ten great times I have had in my life that wouldn’t have happened but for Jayme making them happen. And then I can tell you ten more, and ten more. I don’t want to think about them, because it makes me cry, but I’ll never forget about them.
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