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K and Kids

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    David W. Arnold

    in GENERAL

    Posted

    I just wanted to let you know that Dad passed away this morning about an hour ago. Mom was with him and it sounded like he went peacefully. This I believe was how it was meant to be. Mom's friend is with her and my friend, Nancy is there also. They will see her through until we get there.

    Thank you for all your prayers. Our plans will stay the same and we will fly out tomorrow and be with Mom for 3 weeks.

    Paddy and David

    in GENERAL

    Posted

    Thank you so much.

    I spoke to Mom last night and the plan is to remove the tube (might have been done last night but more like today) and move Dad home. He has made the decision to do nothing more ... he had been given 3 choices and he has made his choice. Hospice is supposed to be setting up today. Things will be organized at the house and Dad might be home by the time the kids and I arrive on Saturday evening.

    There is a certain amount of pins and needle for us right now with the removal of this chest tube. Mom asked the doctor and he said that he doesn't expect it to cause Dad to deteriorate that much faster. He was working on one lung for such a long time and that is where the tube removal will take him back to. Our concern is that he is already so very weak and starting to sleep more that this will speed things up. Mom is very concerned that her decision will cause Dad to pass away before one or both (my sister and I) of us make it there. I am due to fly in Saturday evening and Jaccquie is trying to get things wrapped up at work and is hoping to be there Monday. She does have the ability to move a little quicker than I can and probably get there this weekend if it gets really necessary. I have to give this one to God and hope for the best. Mom has done the very best with the information that she has had at the time and that is all she can do.

    Dad is still all there when he is awake but sleep is something that he is doing a great deal of. Mom says that he wants nothing to do with eating and after eating a little breakfast and drinking a little later on, he told her not even mention food to him ... it makes him feel sick. I have been warned that Dad VERY thin and even a little jaundiced. He knows that we are going to be on our way and that the grandbabies are coming and he is looking forward to seeing us.

    This is about it for now. We have been blessed with amazing friends and family and the support if so amazing. Thank you so much for your continued prayers ... we feel them. I will try to post again soon. I am off to email the rest of the family with this latest stuff and then to pack and do laundry.

    Love and prayers to everyone here.

    Paddy and David

    in GENERAL

    Posted

    I just got word last night that Dad's doctors have given him 2 to 3 weeks. My dear friends have been visiting Mom and Dad and keeping close tabs on things for me. My one friend (who is an RN) called me last night after spending time with Mom and Dad. She was very honest with me and said that we should make our trip sooner than later. Dad is hardly eating anything. He is very weak. The doctors are going to see if they can clamp the chest tube and get him home but that will of course have consequences as the hole in Dad's lung has not healed. The goal is to get him home if at all possible.

    My focus right now is to get the kids and I out there ... possibly this weekend. My sister is also looking at flying out at this time. She can spend longer with Mom so that will be good. I have school to worry about for Maia ... we have spoken to her teachers and I will be organizing independent study work to be sent with us. My Aunt and Uncle are planning to arrive and stay as long as Mom needs them too.

    Mom and Dad are doing OK right now. While Dad would dearly love to be home and free from poking and prodding ... there is a chance that this will not be possible. He does not want to burden Mom with having to do all the physical care etc. Between all of us we hope to make it possible though.

    I will try to keep you updated but with all that is going on it might be difficult. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers and how grateful we are that you are here for Mom and Dad. I will eventually see any messages on here as at some point I will have access to Mom's computer.

    Take care

    Dad news

    in GENERAL

    Posted

    I spoke to mom (Paddy) last night. Dad is still in the hospital and they were waiting for the doctor to come in and read an xray then remove the chest tube...OUCH! Just I was getting ready to say goodbye the doctor( who is standing in for dad's GP who is in Texas for his son's surgery) came in. Hopefully, that all went well.

    That "talc" substance was finally put in. I guess it was two siringes(sp?). It is supposed to help the lung stick to the lining better. I think that is right?

    The other bit of news is not so good. Mom and Dad got a visit from a hospital social worker who gave them lots of paperwork and info on hospice. Dad is still taking the Iressa at this point. They have made no decisions. I'm glad the social worker came into discuss this option but it is an unpleasant thing to think about .... no matter if it is a possibility right now.

    Dad was not feeling like eating according to mom. I didn't get to talk to him as he was pretty sleepy and then the doc. came in. He doesn't have any more strength or energy.

    Oh, Dad's GP (who is in Texas) called to see how things were doing. That was very nice of him especially as he is there for his family.

    Mom also said that the nurses have been very sweet to dads. There are two pretty special ones but overall their stay has been made so much better by the nursing staff. That is so good to hear.

    Hopefully we will know when Dad can go home and what the plan is for that.

    I wish it were better news but this is it so far.

    Thanks for you continued prayers.

    Prayers for a friend's father

    in GENERAL

    Posted

    Our good friend just got word that his dad is recovering from lung surgery where a golf ball sized tumor was removed. They are waiting for the results to see if it has spread. Please keep this family in your prayers as they deal with the initial waiting and wondering etc.

    Thanks so much.

    Update on Pops

    in GENERAL

    Posted

    I am glad that your dad is having those issues taken care of. I certainly know what you mean about being glad that he is in the hospital. My dad also does not want to 'trouble' anyone but when his comfort is at stake then this is the next best thing .... at least until things can be managed. He is still in the hospital as I type and we do not know when he will be coming home. My mom has so much to deal with that it is a relief for her to know that the technical stuff is being monitored while he is there. It is an awful lot for one person to deal with. I'm sure you mom feels relief of a sort too.

    My prayers are with you. I can certainly identify with you.

    A little better news for Paddy and David

    in GENERAL

    Posted

    I spoke to Mom and Dad yesterday. When I first called the doctor standing in for Dad's doctor was there chatting and making sure things were going well.

    It seems that the pump draining the fluid is catching air and this is a concern. The tube and seal have been checked to see if it is a mechanical problem but from what I understand it could be something going on in the lung. The one procedure that they are waiting to do is to put a "talc" substance into the lung (plural space?) and that is supposed to help with the fluid build up problem. I haven't heard how it is supposed to do this and the word talc used where there is lung cancer is kind of ironic sounding to me (not sure if ironic is the word).

    Dr. Joe, I have no idea if I have made any sense here or if I have got it totally wrong ... this is just what I understand at this point.

    Anyway, that procedure has been postponed until they figure out this problem.

    I don't know when Dad is supposed to get out of the hospital. Thursday was the earliest anyone was saying and now they are just saying they don't know. Dad's GP is out of town for a couple days and I think he wants to assess things when he gets back.

    The other interesting thing is that Dad's oncologist saw him last Thursday (at the GP's urging) when things looked really bad but has not been into see him since. Even the GP asked if he had been in to see Dad. I am not sure what is up with that. I know there is communication between the two doctors but I don't know who is technically handling the case. Dad is still taking the Iressa so he is still under treatment. Hmmmmm?

    Well, I hope you are not as confused reading this as I appear writing it. Dad sounds pretty good considering ... just bored out of his mind. He is is eating better so that is a good thing. Mom is hanging in there and feeling your prayers and possitive thoughts.

    Thanks again.

    A little better news for Paddy and David

    in GENERAL

    Posted

    Things are relatively stable today. Dad had the chest tube inserted yesterday and today they have a pump going. I am not sure how long they intend to use the pump. Thurday night the first thorocentisis was done which drew off 4 liters still leaving 1 or 2 more and when the respitory therapist saw him the following morning Dad's lung was full again. Aside from some discomfort due to the chest tube, he is said to be more comfortable. No word on when he will come home. I will post again when I hear another up date. Mom is hanging in there like a trooper.

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