Dear Everyone,
I just came back with Mother from her appointment with Dr. Muldoon at the Genesis Center.
She has been eating and drinking very little over the past 2 weeks or so and is increasingly confused and lethargic. Even at her best she has virtually no memory and can track only the most concrete of conversations. She did not follow my conversation with the doctor. Perhaps for the best. I think she mostly forgets she has cancer and says things like "I hope I am not coming down with something!"
Mother will not be receiving any further chemotherapy. I will be meeting with a hospice nurse in about 30 minutes to set all of that up for improved in-home care..
Mother actually is her usual graceful and kindly self. For the most part she seems in good spirits (when I am assiduous in keeping the pain under control). Dad is very, very upset but is great with her and a solid trooper in handling all of this. She said on the way to the doctors..."that Paul Edmund...he's become a total angel. And he never stops doing, doing, doing. I wonder what has gotten in to him..."
Who knows how long she will last. It seems to me that the cancer is now progressing very, very swiftly. I hope she will have have as peaceful a time of it, that which remains, as she has presently.
I know all of you care for her and she truly appreciates that. As do Dad, Janet and myself.
A bientot!
Jeff for Mom
About Me
- Judith Marie Jones
- Vacherie, Louisiana, United States
- Born in rural Arkansas my tongue took up residence in my cheek shortly thereafter. I use it to speak "Genteel Southern Lady". Cussin' I only use when provoked by the Uppity. Paul, my husband, and I have lived in Cajun Country for many years raising cane, twins (a boy and a girl; now adults? definitely old) and other mischief. Alligators, water moccassins and bears have tussled with me as I protect our swampy coastal farmstead. We are stuck now on lovely Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs where we have our second home. We have been here waiting for Godot since my heart valves blew out Late November 2007 and now with cancer diagnosed August 2008. The Furies have me in their sights... I am writing this blog to let my Beloveds know how I am doing so they will not "get off" in imagined ways on my dire straits. The reality is bad enough without turning my story into a B-grade movie of the mind. I know all of you wish me the very best. And I miss you! never no mind your fevered imaginations. This is as close as I can get to a fond and loving chat with you right now... Sadly, Judy aka Mizflounce passed away peacefully early on Sunday morning May 30th 2009 age 78.
4 comments:
Judy, Jeff and Janet: You do not know me. I incidently noticed your blog site and as a nurse practitioner and who often works with elderly hospice patients, your blog intrigued me. I am touched by the humor and love that you have all brought to this blog. My mother too is very ill and I have found that looking at the lighter side of life and perceiving each often paradoxical moment as it occurs results in a lifetime of experiences. Many people simply exist day to day and their years of life seem "shorter" than those seconds, minutes, days that we choose to acknowledge cherish.
I particularly enjoyed the "birth" and "flight" of the Monarchs. Although the moment of "birth" was missed by Janet, we know her Monarchs are on a long journey to Mexico which no other insect species (or creature for that matter) is known to experience. Because of human's ability to reason, we can experience the Monarchs' life through our knowledge of their striving to exist, survive, reproduce and finally die an eloquent death in order for the next generation to live.
Laura, from SF
Dear Lisa, I am pleased you have enjoyed the blog. Mother has a keen sense of humor (when cognitively intact) and writing the blog for her in a "lighter vein" has been easy. If she remains alert and oriented I may be able to write some more of them directly in her voice.
She is clear today and greatly enjoyed your comments. She is certainly quickly becoming acquainted with the blessings of hospice services. Her nurse met her yesterday and is a very impressive person. Very interested in patients, people in general, nature, holistic living, doing the right thing. Mother was delighted by her. I have yet to hear if the chaplain she is now speaking with will pass muster (soon to end since I see her eyes drifting downward in the disance).
Well, back to trying to juggle about 20 balls at once!
Jeff
Aunt Judy, You have been so much in my thoughts. I know how hard this time is for you and the entire family. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help.
I pray that you are comfortable and as pain-free as possible.
All my love,
Tamara
I am also a 'Judy Jones', but from England. I came across your blog when searching for someone else. I pray that you will not feel any pain and that the family will be granted courage during this difficult time. My dad passed away a few years ago from cancer and I know how difficult it can be. God Bless you all, Judy
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