Having read the title to this chapter of the blog, "Takin' A Walk Thru Glory", some may have thought that Larry had indeed moved on. He hasn't yet - these are just a few of the simple words he spoke today aloud to Sherry. He is slowly slipping away. Today was rough - pretty much the daily expectation, I guess. Sherry remains externally strong amidst the sorrow she feels deep inside her soul as she watches her best friend sleep~breathe~sleep~breathe. His comfort and rest come from being held in the arms of his Savior - the One gently preparing to carry him home forever. Well, that and a few drops of morphine on the tongue are pretty helpful, too! Larry also muttered "I don't know all these people". Perhaps he was envisioning himself walking through the gates of heaven and seeing the crowds who had come to welcome him home. Larry is such a great friend to so many.
Hospice will be coming by the house on Friday at 1:30 to check on Larry and discuss his care. Sherry has asked a couple of her sisters if they could be there with her so she does not have to try and understand the process alone. We are proud of Sherry for asking for this help. Sherry has said that with the care she is able to give Larry she can tell that his systems are starting to slowly shut down. I cannot imagine being in her place right now. She also says that he is showing signs similar to when her mother passed away several years ago.
Larry and Sherry's son Greg will be here next Thursday. Originally he was going to come out in two weeks, but as things are now, the family felt it necessary to get him out here sooner. Sherry told Larry that Greg would be out in a couple weeks and could he hold on until then. Larry quietly replied, "no". Larry knows his time is short.
We wanted to express our thanks to the pastors who have come by for a visit and to pray. It is so refreshing to know that the family of God is joining together to care for this deeply hurting couple.
Well that's about it for tonight. We will update Friday night as soon as we hear about hospice. Melody and I, along with our daughter Kaity, are planning on driving to Portland Saturday afternoon to spend some time with Larry assuming Melody is able to make the trip. We need him to know we love him and that he has clearance to let go of this world and go "take a walk in glory". Sounds profound, but Larry never listened to me before, why start now!!
Until next time....
Steve (for the family)
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
A Little Closer To Home...
What a day. There is much to update tonight so I will try to do it as clearly as possible while I struggle in my own heart the ramifications of it all.
Today Larry went to see his doctor...for the last time. I am to understand that he said "goodbye" to his doctors and nurses since the plan, at this time, is to stop the chemo and any other treatments as they have become ineffective. The doctors have called Hospice and Larry and Sherry should get a call from Hospice in the next day or so to get all of that set up. For now, hospice will come to Larry. At some point he may be taken to Hopewell House which is a fantastic Hospice House in Portland. Sherry's mother was at Hopewell in her final days several years ago. A wonderful facility. Larry is in pain and is having trouble breathing so the doctor prescribed some morphine drops that Sherry is to put on his tongue. This gives him some comfort from the pain and allows him to rest and breath a little easier. He is using oxygen. Larry did take a fall today in the house when they got back from the doctor. Fortunately, Chuck and Charlene were there to assist in getting him up and into his comfy chair.
Sherry had a doctors appointment this afternoon as well. At this point her doctor believes her recent symptoms are due to "stress and trauma in her life". Really?? Ya think??!! Her issues could be related to other things but with all that Sherry is dealing with right now, her doctor felt she will be okay in time as this situation with Larry runs its course. They will touch base later this year.
The doctors have recommended that Larry and Sherry should immediately seek out assisted living. They are at a point where they can't take care of each other let alone themselves. It would relieve a huge burden from Sherry by being in a place that she could get a little help if needed - if she fell, or needed help getting in and out of her power chair. etc. Until real recently Larry helped with all that - but those days are gone. The thought of moving them right now seems crazy, but as I stated in an earlier post - we will do whatever is best for the two of them to enjoy their remaining time together. Sherry is looking into a place in Canby, OR, which is close to where Chuck and Charlene live.
Larry and Sherry's daughter Melody is very hopeful to get over to see Larry this weekend. This is a point of prayer since Melody is recuperating very slowly from surgery and some complications from it. She so much wants and needs to see her dad. There is also some family looking into getting Larry and Sherry's son Greg out to Oregon from Tennessee. That's a little trickier given limited resources, but Sherry's sister Cathy and her husband Bill have donated toward this cost. We are grateful for this. We'd like to get Greg out here in the next week or two. We just don't know how much time we have.
We are a family of faith. One that believes that there is "another time and another place" where we will spend eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when He chooses to call us home. There is no question the deep love that Larry and Sherry have for each other, and it is that love that will sustain them in these next days, weeks or months.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for our family...
Steve and Melody
Today Larry went to see his doctor...for the last time. I am to understand that he said "goodbye" to his doctors and nurses since the plan, at this time, is to stop the chemo and any other treatments as they have become ineffective. The doctors have called Hospice and Larry and Sherry should get a call from Hospice in the next day or so to get all of that set up. For now, hospice will come to Larry. At some point he may be taken to Hopewell House which is a fantastic Hospice House in Portland. Sherry's mother was at Hopewell in her final days several years ago. A wonderful facility. Larry is in pain and is having trouble breathing so the doctor prescribed some morphine drops that Sherry is to put on his tongue. This gives him some comfort from the pain and allows him to rest and breath a little easier. He is using oxygen. Larry did take a fall today in the house when they got back from the doctor. Fortunately, Chuck and Charlene were there to assist in getting him up and into his comfy chair.
Sherry had a doctors appointment this afternoon as well. At this point her doctor believes her recent symptoms are due to "stress and trauma in her life". Really?? Ya think??!! Her issues could be related to other things but with all that Sherry is dealing with right now, her doctor felt she will be okay in time as this situation with Larry runs its course. They will touch base later this year.
The doctors have recommended that Larry and Sherry should immediately seek out assisted living. They are at a point where they can't take care of each other let alone themselves. It would relieve a huge burden from Sherry by being in a place that she could get a little help if needed - if she fell, or needed help getting in and out of her power chair. etc. Until real recently Larry helped with all that - but those days are gone. The thought of moving them right now seems crazy, but as I stated in an earlier post - we will do whatever is best for the two of them to enjoy their remaining time together. Sherry is looking into a place in Canby, OR, which is close to where Chuck and Charlene live.
Larry and Sherry's daughter Melody is very hopeful to get over to see Larry this weekend. This is a point of prayer since Melody is recuperating very slowly from surgery and some complications from it. She so much wants and needs to see her dad. There is also some family looking into getting Larry and Sherry's son Greg out to Oregon from Tennessee. That's a little trickier given limited resources, but Sherry's sister Cathy and her husband Bill have donated toward this cost. We are grateful for this. We'd like to get Greg out here in the next week or two. We just don't know how much time we have.
We are a family of faith. One that believes that there is "another time and another place" where we will spend eternity with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when He chooses to call us home. There is no question the deep love that Larry and Sherry have for each other, and it is that love that will sustain them in these next days, weeks or months.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for our family...
Steve and Melody
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Wednesday is a big day...
We covet your prayers for Larry and Sherry on Wednesday, April 7th. Larry has an appointment at 11:00 to discuss his future care and to gain an understanding about hospice. Many of us know a bit about hospice and the wonderful care that these folks bring to the terminally ill in their final days. Then at 2:30, Sherry has a doctors appointment to address some physical issues that she is battling. These are trying times for these sweet people.
Today was another difficult day. Sherry was not able to go to work again ~ just too hard when she feels she needs to be at home helping Larry. Sherry told us tonight that often times today Larry didn't seem "present" and feels that he is slowly slipping away. When Melody talked with him on the phone tonight it was very evident that her dad was not doing well. He was short of breath and his speech was quite slurred.
We know the time is short. We know that there is much to be figured out in the coming days and weeks regarding Sherry's well-being after Larry goes home. If anyone is aware of any services that may be helpful to Sherry, please send us a note at doug5fam@yahoo.com. We'd appreciate any connections we can make that might help ease Sherry's burden.
We will update much in the days ahead...
Steve and Melody Douglass (Larry & Sherry's daughter and favorite son-in-law)
PS...again we must thank Charlene and Chuck Howard for their service to Larry and Sherry in getting them to these critical doctors appointments Wednesday. Charlene and Chuck ~ a special crown awaits you in glory for your selfless love and sacrifice. We love you.
Today was another difficult day. Sherry was not able to go to work again ~ just too hard when she feels she needs to be at home helping Larry. Sherry told us tonight that often times today Larry didn't seem "present" and feels that he is slowly slipping away. When Melody talked with him on the phone tonight it was very evident that her dad was not doing well. He was short of breath and his speech was quite slurred.
We know the time is short. We know that there is much to be figured out in the coming days and weeks regarding Sherry's well-being after Larry goes home. If anyone is aware of any services that may be helpful to Sherry, please send us a note at doug5fam@yahoo.com. We'd appreciate any connections we can make that might help ease Sherry's burden.
We will update much in the days ahead...
Steve and Melody Douglass (Larry & Sherry's daughter and favorite son-in-law)
PS...again we must thank Charlene and Chuck Howard for their service to Larry and Sherry in getting them to these critical doctors appointments Wednesday. Charlene and Chuck ~ a special crown awaits you in glory for your selfless love and sacrifice. We love you.
Monday, April 5, 2010
A Birthday Celebration!!
On Sunday, April 4th, Larry celebrated his 68th birthday. Many people dropped by the house - some of whom Larry didn't even know. We are so grateful to the family and friends that came by to offer a hug or handshake to Larry during this time. At one point Sherry said the place was so full she couldn't even move! It is bittersweet to say the least - but we know that just based on the number of people that made a visit - Larry is deeply loved and cherished. It was a tough day for Larry - he was pretty worn out by the end of it!! Originally the plan was for some family to go out for an Easter lunch, but Larry was not feeling well enough to do that so Sherry prepared a simple meal at home. Larry's daughter, Melody, has been having some complications from a recent surgery so she was not able to make the trip to Portland for the day.
We are grateful for some long-time friends of Larry and Sherry, the McBee's, who are looking into getting Sherry's van equipped to better handle her power chair. This is so important given Sherry's physical needs and limitations and her ability to load the chair and unload it on her own. We specifically ask for prayer this week for direction and clarity in decision making as Larry and Sherry meet with the doctors on Wednesday to discuss Hospice and how they will manage Larry's health care for his remaining time here on earth. While we knew at some point this time would come - now that we are here - it seems overwhelming. There is much to be decided in the coming weeks, but we don't want to get so caught up in those details that we fail to enjoy Larry. His is a legacy worth savoring and we are all better people for having known him. He has brought so much into so many peoples lives. The man who was often the one to give help is, more than ever, in need of some of that same help now.
Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers....
The family
We are grateful for some long-time friends of Larry and Sherry, the McBee's, who are looking into getting Sherry's van equipped to better handle her power chair. This is so important given Sherry's physical needs and limitations and her ability to load the chair and unload it on her own. We specifically ask for prayer this week for direction and clarity in decision making as Larry and Sherry meet with the doctors on Wednesday to discuss Hospice and how they will manage Larry's health care for his remaining time here on earth. While we knew at some point this time would come - now that we are here - it seems overwhelming. There is much to be decided in the coming weeks, but we don't want to get so caught up in those details that we fail to enjoy Larry. His is a legacy worth savoring and we are all better people for having known him. He has brought so much into so many peoples lives. The man who was often the one to give help is, more than ever, in need of some of that same help now.
Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers....
The family
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Sometimes the load is heavy
And sometimes the road is long
And sometimes Lord, this heart of mine
Is not so very strong
But Thy will be done, Lord
Thy will be done
One of my most favorite choral songs from high school, and the lyrics I sang in my own mind when I hung up the phone from my wife yesterday, having heard the latest news about my father-in-law, Larry.
Larry has fought, and fought really hard since January of 2009 when he first learned that his body had been ravaged by cancer. Truthfully - he has battled cancer for many, many years. The latest news, however, is that his fight is about over. On Wednesday, March 31, he was informed by his doctors that their human ability to intervene with the latest medicines and treatments and stop the spread of this awful disease, had run its course. Hospice will be called in to help manage him now. The time frame we have been given is 2-4 months. We pray for more.
As you can imagine, we his family, are taking this news quite hard. Many of us thought he just might beat this thing - and for 16 months he did. Barring a miraculous intervention from the Great Physician - we are near the end of the road. While we believe he will spend eternity with his Lord and Savior, the thought of him not being here is more than we can think about right now. We choose to celebrate his life in the remaining time we have, while at the same time, do what we can to help Sherry through this transition and to instill in Larry the confidence that we will carry on his legacy of caring for his wife, best friend, and companion. It will not be easy, but we will do nothing less. You can imagine Sherry's fear in all this. Rarely have the two of them been apart. Sherry's own medical needs are of concern yet family and friends are already at work behind the scenes helping to get things in order for her. Larry and Sherry have already started to have the difficult discussions (i.e. what to do with "stuff", where to live, finances, etc). Larry just needs to be absolutely certain that Sherry will be okay. He has been that way all of their life together.
Words cannot express our thanks to all who have kept up with these posts and have prayed for Larry. It has truly been the prayers and good thoughts that have sustained Larry these past 16 months. I know Larry well enough to know he wouldn't want anyone to fuss over him. He is at peace, he has fought a good fight, he has kept the faith, and he is about to finish the course.
We covet your prayers in these next months as we walk the rest of the road with him however long that may be.
Peace,
The Family
And sometimes the road is long
And sometimes Lord, this heart of mine
Is not so very strong
But Thy will be done, Lord
Thy will be done
One of my most favorite choral songs from high school, and the lyrics I sang in my own mind when I hung up the phone from my wife yesterday, having heard the latest news about my father-in-law, Larry.
Larry has fought, and fought really hard since January of 2009 when he first learned that his body had been ravaged by cancer. Truthfully - he has battled cancer for many, many years. The latest news, however, is that his fight is about over. On Wednesday, March 31, he was informed by his doctors that their human ability to intervene with the latest medicines and treatments and stop the spread of this awful disease, had run its course. Hospice will be called in to help manage him now. The time frame we have been given is 2-4 months. We pray for more.
As you can imagine, we his family, are taking this news quite hard. Many of us thought he just might beat this thing - and for 16 months he did. Barring a miraculous intervention from the Great Physician - we are near the end of the road. While we believe he will spend eternity with his Lord and Savior, the thought of him not being here is more than we can think about right now. We choose to celebrate his life in the remaining time we have, while at the same time, do what we can to help Sherry through this transition and to instill in Larry the confidence that we will carry on his legacy of caring for his wife, best friend, and companion. It will not be easy, but we will do nothing less. You can imagine Sherry's fear in all this. Rarely have the two of them been apart. Sherry's own medical needs are of concern yet family and friends are already at work behind the scenes helping to get things in order for her. Larry and Sherry have already started to have the difficult discussions (i.e. what to do with "stuff", where to live, finances, etc). Larry just needs to be absolutely certain that Sherry will be okay. He has been that way all of their life together.
Words cannot express our thanks to all who have kept up with these posts and have prayed for Larry. It has truly been the prayers and good thoughts that have sustained Larry these past 16 months. I know Larry well enough to know he wouldn't want anyone to fuss over him. He is at peace, he has fought a good fight, he has kept the faith, and he is about to finish the course.
We covet your prayers in these next months as we walk the rest of the road with him however long that may be.
Peace,
The Family
Saturday, March 20, 2010
We ALMOST lost him!!
First, I want to apologize for the long delay in updates. I had back surgery on March 3rd for a herniated disc and it has not been a good recovery. The first week was unbearable and the most intense pain I have EVER had. Slowly getting better so trying to get life back in order.
Dad has been slowly deteriorating in his physical health but yet his cancer count has continued to be low. After many days of just not feeling good, mom finally convinced dad to go to the doctor. On Tuesday of this week he finally went to the doctor. Mom picked him up to take him and he had no energy to load mom's electric chair so they went and she would just have to wait in the car for him because she can't load it herself. Dad called mom while she was waiting and told her that they were rushing him to emergency. Mom has helpless in the car, didn't know what was going on and had no way to get into emergency to be with dad.
Turns out dad's blood pressure was 60/45. Apparently you go into a coma when your blood pressure is 50/35. I am unclear of all the events as I myself am recovering. Mom ended up going home because she didn't have a way into the emergency. Dad and Greg (my brother) told her that since she was home to stay there because there wasn't anything she could do at the emergency anyway. When mom called they told her that they were admitting him for the night. They were running tests and giving him IV medications to get his blood pressure up. He was admitted to ICU. They told mom that he had an infection that had taken over his body and that had they waited any longer to get him in, he wouldn't have lived.
The infection appears to have come from the permanent catheter that was recently replaced. The ICU replaced it again and dad said that it was the first time since it was surgically put in that it didn't hurt. The doctors and others have told dad that he needs to find a new urologist. Mom and I have been telling him that for a few years now. When the urologist did the surgery to put the permanent catheter in, he told mom that he had put it off because he didn't think dad was going to be around this long. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT????? We almost lost him not because the cancer that is ravaging his body but because of an infection from replacing the catheter.
Dad came home yesterday, which surprised mom and I. The medication that they have been giving him to raise his blood pressure also raises his blood sugars. When they released him his blood pressure was around 101/60 and his blood sugars were around 195. He has a lot of medication he has to take. I talked to him today and he said he is very weak and cannot eat. He hasn't slept for days. While he was in the hospital, the checked his blood sugars every hour and his vitals every 4 hours. His last day in the hospital he had several visitors and was very "teary eyed" and couldn't believe so many people loved him. Any calls, visits, cards, emails are VERY welcomed. He realizes how close of a call this was and is really appreciative of the people in his life right now.
Dad has been slowly deteriorating in his physical health but yet his cancer count has continued to be low. After many days of just not feeling good, mom finally convinced dad to go to the doctor. On Tuesday of this week he finally went to the doctor. Mom picked him up to take him and he had no energy to load mom's electric chair so they went and she would just have to wait in the car for him because she can't load it herself. Dad called mom while she was waiting and told her that they were rushing him to emergency. Mom has helpless in the car, didn't know what was going on and had no way to get into emergency to be with dad.
Turns out dad's blood pressure was 60/45. Apparently you go into a coma when your blood pressure is 50/35. I am unclear of all the events as I myself am recovering. Mom ended up going home because she didn't have a way into the emergency. Dad and Greg (my brother) told her that since she was home to stay there because there wasn't anything she could do at the emergency anyway. When mom called they told her that they were admitting him for the night. They were running tests and giving him IV medications to get his blood pressure up. He was admitted to ICU. They told mom that he had an infection that had taken over his body and that had they waited any longer to get him in, he wouldn't have lived.
The infection appears to have come from the permanent catheter that was recently replaced. The ICU replaced it again and dad said that it was the first time since it was surgically put in that it didn't hurt. The doctors and others have told dad that he needs to find a new urologist. Mom and I have been telling him that for a few years now. When the urologist did the surgery to put the permanent catheter in, he told mom that he had put it off because he didn't think dad was going to be around this long. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT????? We almost lost him not because the cancer that is ravaging his body but because of an infection from replacing the catheter.
Dad came home yesterday, which surprised mom and I. The medication that they have been giving him to raise his blood pressure also raises his blood sugars. When they released him his blood pressure was around 101/60 and his blood sugars were around 195. He has a lot of medication he has to take. I talked to him today and he said he is very weak and cannot eat. He hasn't slept for days. While he was in the hospital, the checked his blood sugars every hour and his vitals every 4 hours. His last day in the hospital he had several visitors and was very "teary eyed" and couldn't believe so many people loved him. Any calls, visits, cards, emails are VERY welcomed. He realizes how close of a call this was and is really appreciative of the people in his life right now.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Surgery Today
Today dad had surgery at 9:30 am. This was an attempt to find a way to stop all of the pain dad has been in because of the constant urinary tract infections. They also wanted to check his bladder for cancer as he has been diagnosed with bladder cancer twice in the past.
Surgery went well. They did find an area of the bladder that was discolored and so they took some tissue so they could do a biopsy. They said that his bladder is basically in very bad shape. They found 1.5 liters of liquid still in his bladder despite being emptied. This told them that the bladder is not fully emptying. His prostate was good but they discovered a little "bag" that had formed near the prostate. They said it was caused by a medical procedure but not sure which one. They cut it open thinking it might be part of the problem of not emptying the bladder.
They decided that the best solution to the problem was to put a permanent catheter in. The tube that was put in will need to be replaced once a month. Hopefully insurance will approve a home health care nurse to come and do that otherwise, dad will have to go the hospital or Dr office to have it replaced.
Dad was released in the early afternoon and when I talked to him around 4:15, they were at Macaroni Grill having an early dinner. Dad said he was in quite a bit of pain but after they were done eating was just going to go home and fill himself with pain meds.
Dad was scheduled to have chemo yesterday but they decided that this surgery was more important so they moved the chemo appt to tomorrow.
That's the latest.
Surgery went well. They did find an area of the bladder that was discolored and so they took some tissue so they could do a biopsy. They said that his bladder is basically in very bad shape. They found 1.5 liters of liquid still in his bladder despite being emptied. This told them that the bladder is not fully emptying. His prostate was good but they discovered a little "bag" that had formed near the prostate. They said it was caused by a medical procedure but not sure which one. They cut it open thinking it might be part of the problem of not emptying the bladder.
They decided that the best solution to the problem was to put a permanent catheter in. The tube that was put in will need to be replaced once a month. Hopefully insurance will approve a home health care nurse to come and do that otherwise, dad will have to go the hospital or Dr office to have it replaced.
Dad was released in the early afternoon and when I talked to him around 4:15, they were at Macaroni Grill having an early dinner. Dad said he was in quite a bit of pain but after they were done eating was just going to go home and fill himself with pain meds.
Dad was scheduled to have chemo yesterday but they decided that this surgery was more important so they moved the chemo appt to tomorrow.
That's the latest.
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