moving day
Scribbled down on September 24th, 2006 by she
Posted in Friends & Family
Dad now has a bed in the Palliative care ward. We moved from 5CN to 3BN this evening. The ward is warm and comforting. There is plenty of room to wander and be alone if you need it. There is a full kitchin and laundry suite. There are no visiting hours. We can stay 24/7 if we want. Cots can be moved into his room.
It does not look like we will be able to bring dad home – so we can bring a bit of home to him.
The nurses on 5CN have been amazing. We’ve lost track of time. We’ve lost a sense of ourselves. We’re losing dad. Through it all, they responded with increasing care and compassion. They never held us to visiting hours and let us roam around the ward gathering supplies as needed. They allowed us to share in his daily care. They provided a shoulder to cry on when needed and were quick with a much needed laugh. I will miss them.
The good: Dad was moved to a private room in the Palliative care ward.
The bad: Dad is losing his ability to swallow liquids now. It seems ice cream is one of the few things he can still eat.
The ugly: I wrote my father’s obituary today.
Technorati Tags: palliative care, hospital, death, dying, cancer
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September 24th, 2006 at 3:39 am
My parents both died of cancer years ago. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. It’s terribly hard but you’re not alone.
September 25th, 2006 at 10:03 pm
My father passed in a Palliative Care bed – it was a beautiful experiece. I am a registered nurse and have had many pass while in my care. This is an incredibly beautiful time for you and your father. If you like I will send you under separate email the part from my book that describes a little of my experience (between father and daughter). My family and I move my mother to long-term care on Wednesday. The lady who taught me how to knit is there – 101 now. Peace be with you. Love Barbara
September 26th, 2006 at 1:55 pm
Hang in there! All you dad needs right now is strength from the people around him. Keep your spirits high, and he’ll try his best too!
I have to marvel at how bold you are though, knowing the inevitable–but still keeping your head up!
Take care