KarHart Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Thank you to Ann for posting for me (and flowers too!) It has been so up and down. The other night I was worried that Ken might not even last long enough for all the family visits coming up. He was running a fever again, very weak and unsteady, muscle tremors, confusion. Then yesterday he got up early, clear minded (more or less), moving easily. So then I think "well, maybe it will be a couple of months, not weeks." The hospice nurse and doctor came yesterday. I didn't say anything about the mental confusion issues cause I knew it would make Ken mad. He really just isn't aware of how strange he behaves sometimes and I found it just aggravates him if I mention it when he is lucid so I've decided to just not make an issue of it and go with the flow. The biggest problem is when I bring him his pills twice a day and he insists I already gave them to him. I have to argue with him every time to get him to take them. The doctor and nurse both told me to stop pushing him to eat. I admit I have been nagging him, it just scares me since I know the dying process includes stopping eating. He has really eaten very little in the last 5 days. He did drink some Boost and last night he did eat some dinner. I promised I wouldn't push him anymore and I think that may be why he made more of an effort last night. Today, the nurse is coming to draw blood and tomorrow I am taking him to the hospital to get blood. This is because he is so anemic. Hopefully, it will give him a little more energy to face all the family coming in. Extreme fatigue is one of the hallmarks of liver failure so it may not do much good, but it can't hurt. Our daughter and the baby are coming today. For me that is the best medicine. The baby is pure joy. His oldest son is coming Friday, and his other daughter and her family on Sat. One of his sisters and her daughter are flying in next Thurs. from KY. They are going to fly in and out the same day. His sister has never flown and I am just so touched she is going to so much effort to see him one more time. I have no idea how much time we have left. Like I said some days it seems like it may be really soon, then other days I get my hopes up for longer. I feel that we have been incredibly blessed that so far he has not had any really bad symptoms. He doesn't feel great, but he is not in pain and has not had any relevant health issues (if you can say that about anyone dying). He is just slowly fading away. All the prayers are working, that's the way I see it. It is so touching how many people here and other places are including him in their prayers. Thank you. He even asked to see the chaplin. He came yesterday, I wasn't there, but I am sure he will come again. That gave a lot of comfort to our daughter. So please keep those prayers and good thoughts coming and know that I continue to pray for all of you. Karen H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie B Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. And you take a minute or more to enjoy that Grandbaby. I know how good I feel when I see my Grandkids. They really are good medicine and you need some of that too! ((((KAREN)))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tami Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 ((((((Karen)))))) Continued prayers for Ken that he feels no pain and he will be up to spending sometime with the family. Strength for you in the coming days, weeks and months ahead... take each day as it comes. I will ask the Lord to wrap his loving arms around you and help to hold you up through this. Keep us posted. Tami Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 I hope all goes well and he is able to enjoy his visits. I am sorry for what you're going through. I can't even imagine how hard it must be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Karen you both are in my thoughts and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dchurchi Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Karen, Keeping you and Ken in our prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 May you draw strength from your family. And hug that baby!!! There is nothing like holding a baby. Thoughts are with you gail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamasbabygirl Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 (((Karen))))) I am so glad you get to see and hold your grandbaby..that will bring you much joy in this awful time. Prayers still coming for you guys.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SBeth Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 You both have my prayers Karen. Enjoy the company and visits with family and make the most of every single second with Ken. Much love, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miami Janet Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Hi Karen, It sounds like you are taking excellent care of him . Im glad he is not in any pain. Prayers for peace and comfort for your family. Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trish2418 Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 I am so glad that you and Ken will have your family around -- there's nothing better. All of you remain in my prayers. Trish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamataca Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 What a road you are walking right now. I hope the family visits will brighten your time. Those babies are a precious gift, aren't they? Take care of yourself along the way. Kelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen335 Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Karen, Sending prayers and hugs. Miracles DO happen. I'm praying for one for you and Ken~~~ Blessings, Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Karen, I hope you know that many of us are on this journey with you. We are here for you all the time. I wish there was more to do for you both, other than prayers. Since, from afar, that is about all I can offer, let me offer MANY of them to see you through this twist in the road. I hope you can feel the cyber support from up north here, Karen. ((((Karen and Ken))), Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 (((Karen and Ken))), Praying for you. I hope you and Ken will enjoy your family visits. Know that we are here for you. Keep in touch when you can. Love and Prayers, Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Dear Karen and Ken Take Pictures for memories. enjoy every second you can get right now. No stress on anyone. Laugh at the good times together.enjoy life to the fullest while able to. I know this is tough to think about. I went through the passing away 1 month ago. Still hurts a lot. share funny stories and enjoy all the love and comfort that your Family is bringing by coming together right now.Much Love, Joy, Prayers, and peace for all of your Family right now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorja Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Keeping you both in my prayers... love, jorja Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharyn Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Dear Karen, I am keeping you both in my prayers. Enjoy your wondeful Grandbaby, maybe the visit will boost Ken's spirits abit. I know this is so hard.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melindasue37 Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Karen, It sounds like you both will be surrounded with so much family love soon. Enjoy this special time and I hope that Ken is feeling good enough to enjoy it too. Continued prayers for you and Ken. Warm Hugs, Melinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Karen Will keep both of you in my prayers. Enjoy the visits and it will be good for Ken to see all those members of the family. Hugs Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maryanne Posted February 22, 2006 Share Posted February 22, 2006 Continued prayers sent to Ken... I pray that he makes it to see everyone before his journey... Hopefully, the blood transfusion will give him the strength to get through the days ahead. Enjoy your company and lean on them when you need comforting. Prayers also sent to you dear Karen for strength to get through this. You are a amazing woman. Maryanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyT Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Dear Karen, Sending prayers and comfort to you and Ken. Love, NancyT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geri Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Hoping for peace and comfort for Ken on his journey. You are in my thoughts Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adela Posted February 23, 2006 Share Posted February 23, 2006 Live in the moment.Our prayers are with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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