Hospice, week 3

We’re thankful Susan continues to hold fast in her third week on hospice care. She’s taking plenty of liquids and food and has none of the hazards that often come when bedridden for weeks, like skin breakdown or breathing trouble. She’s been a bit congested at times, but has responded well to her breathing treatments. She still has periods of severe headache and takes morphine only when she can’t stand it.

Her cognitive status remains mostly unchanged also; verbally responsive but not talkative and sleeping a lot of the time. She doesn’t complain, but remains sweet and pleasant. I haven’t observed any seizure activity or progressive decline one might associate with tumor growth.

In spite of her diminished state, Susan is much like she has been since her brain cancer diagnosis: here, at peace, and trusting in the Lord for his will and his timing. It’s such a strange existence for all of us, but one that’s become familiar, even normal. Our sons play Xbox games while Mom lies in bed a few feet away.

We know little else except that God loves us and has us in his hands, and that friends stand with us in love, prayer, and beautiful expressions of support. My constant prayer is, “Lord, have mercy on us.”