This last week in Phoenix has really been like its name. When we got here on Sunday, Ed was so weak that he had to be lifted into and out of his airplane seat, and getting him home to his sister Lynne's house was really scary. He lost his strength so fast! Monday, my parents and his mom came to dinner, but he was having chest pains and trouble breathing, so we called the paramedics. We took some pictures of the joined families before giving in to the pain.
Ed's mom is on the left, followed by my stepmom Lea and my dad, me and Ed.
Ed ended up being admitted to John C Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital. They gave him 4 units of blood, 2 units of platelets, and a bag each of potassium and phosphorus. The staff at the hospital was genuinely caring. He had his own small room, and I just stayed there with him most of the time. Tuesday evening, though, I got together with my high school group. We've been getting together regularly forEVER. Now it's even more important to be together, and share what's been going on for the last year or so.
Connie, Carolyn, Jane, Leonard, Ellen, Rosie, and Glenda are standing behind me in more than just the literal sense. I really appreciate them!
After 3 days of treatment, Ed was stabilized enough to be released. I was petrified! How could we manage to take care of him when he could not even roll over in bed by himself? I contacted the hospital social worker, who set hospice in motion. The goal of hospice organizations is to make sure that terminally ill people are cared for in comfortable settings, such as their own homes, and have no pain or worries. We selected Hospice of the Valley as soon as we met their representative at 12:30 on Thursday. By 3:30 Thursday, they had delivered a hospital bed and oxygen concentrator to Lynne's house and set up ambulette service to get Ed home while still in a bed. The ride home and move into the wheelchair was easy. Thursday evening, an intake nurse came and evaluated our needs, supplying most of them from the back of her vehicle. A pharmacy delivered medicines right to our door at 9:30 at night! The speed and efficiency, while being caring and cheerful, was astounding.
Ed was naturally very anxious after all this. He was up every 2 hours during the night, and at 4:30 am, I called hospice for advice. The on-duty nurse walked me through trouble-shooting and we fixed Ed right up within a half hour. Friday, our regular nurse and our regular social worker came. They brought more information, more supplies, and more cheerfulness. Even more cheerfulness was brought by Ed's high school friends, from as far away as Iowa, when they came over with pizza and beer.
In the back are Sue, Mary, Bob, Roger, Judy, Ed, Linda, Ken, and Janet. In the front are Pat, Larry, and, of course, Ed. Ken is the mastermind of this wonderful get-together!
Friday night, Ed slept much better, and therefore, so did I! Saturday, a nurse assistant came and bathed Ed. A hospice nurse called to see how Ed was doing. Ed had a relaxing day, opening all his eBay purchases that have been shipped to the US.
Ed ended up being admitted to John C Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital. They gave him 4 units of blood, 2 units of platelets, and a bag each of potassium and phosphorus. The staff at the hospital was genuinely caring. He had his own small room, and I just stayed there with him most of the time. Tuesday evening, though, I got together with my high school group. We've been getting together regularly forEVER. Now it's even more important to be together, and share what's been going on for the last year or so.
After 3 days of treatment, Ed was stabilized enough to be released. I was petrified! How could we manage to take care of him when he could not even roll over in bed by himself? I contacted the hospital social worker, who set hospice in motion. The goal of hospice organizations is to make sure that terminally ill people are cared for in comfortable settings, such as their own homes, and have no pain or worries. We selected Hospice of the Valley as soon as we met their representative at 12:30 on Thursday. By 3:30 Thursday, they had delivered a hospital bed and oxygen concentrator to Lynne's house and set up ambulette service to get Ed home while still in a bed. The ride home and move into the wheelchair was easy. Thursday evening, an intake nurse came and evaluated our needs, supplying most of them from the back of her vehicle. A pharmacy delivered medicines right to our door at 9:30 at night! The speed and efficiency, while being caring and cheerful, was astounding.
Ed was naturally very anxious after all this. He was up every 2 hours during the night, and at 4:30 am, I called hospice for advice. The on-duty nurse walked me through trouble-shooting and we fixed Ed right up within a half hour. Friday, our regular nurse and our regular social worker came. They brought more information, more supplies, and more cheerfulness. Even more cheerfulness was brought by Ed's high school friends, from as far away as Iowa, when they came over with pizza and beer.
Friday night, Ed slept much better, and therefore, so did I! Saturday, a nurse assistant came and bathed Ed. A hospice nurse called to see how Ed was doing. Ed had a relaxing day, opening all his eBay purchases that have been shipped to the US.
Easter Sunday was our best day in ages. Ed was happy as could be. We had a family day with a ham dinner and hamming it up. We also Skyped our daughter Deanna, and laughed at her mermaid makeup. Shall we say that San Francisco celebrates Easter differently? Such a pleasant day leads you to almost believe in miracles, and that he will regain his strength and walk on to the plane back to Norway.
Brother-in-law Russ, Ed's mom, Ed, Ed's sister Lynne, and nephew Erik. Lynne and Russ have been absolute gems, taking us in and caring for Ed with love and compassion.
Here is Ed, rising from the ashes in Phoenix! We took two steps forward, then one back. Monday, he has been pretty much knocked flat. There's no telling what happens next...
except that our return to Norway is delayed indefinitely. I am very grateful that we are here with our families and friends for this journey.
Ed looks so cute in his bunny costume!
ReplyDeleteLove the bunny ears! Love you guys!
ReplyDelete