Checking in

Todtstoy · Post by **Todtstoy** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 2:42 am

Well I made it safe and sound to my Aunts. Wow.. I thought I was ready for this. This isn't my Aunt Nancy. Just a poor withered shell of the woman. Today I got a crash course on inserting a cathiter and how to empty them. I also learned I CAN handle the smell of human waste. Oh joy.... The hospice nurse was very nice and patient with me. It has been years since i've done any home health care. I was able to get Aunt Nancy to eat 2 times today and to drink apple juice and water.. woohoo.. She hadn't ate anything in over a week and only managed to take a couple of sips of water the last couple of days. The hospice nurse said not to make her do anything.. to just offer. So being the good girl that I am.. I kept asking. I even got her to take some meds. She stopped taking anything over a week ago. The chemo and radiation treatments have really messed her up bad. I talked her into at least taking the antibiotic and a couple pain pills. I am not tryin to save her.. or to keep her alive.. just to make her feel a little better as she goes. We signed the DNR papers today so I can't even call the emts when she starts to go.. I can just hold her hand and sing for her. She said its the last thing she wants to hear. y'all pray that i have the air to sing pure and sweet for her exit. It has been a couple years since i've been able to really sing. When she goes I really want to sing the best I ever have. She deserves it.

Nancy is ringing the bell..I gotta go. I wont be able to get in game for a while but will try to come here at least once a day to check in. God I miss y'all so much. Big hugs and kisses to my LD family.

Julie Ann

Cymry · Post by **Cymry** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 3:28 am

Remembering you in my prayers . . .

Oof · Post by **Oof** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 5:01 am

I meant to reply on your other thread but didn't make the time quickly enough so I'll reply on this one instead.

My heart goes out to you and your aunt. My father-in-law died from cancer a little over a year ago. It's an awful disease. While there's probably not much that I can offer except for letting you know that you're in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this, maybe just knowing that you have several LDers here supporting you will make things at least a little easier on you.

You have all of my respect for being willing to help out your aunt in this way, because not everyone would be willing to do so. I hope that things go as easily for you, and for your aunt, as they possibly can, and that her passing is peaceful and filled with the sound of your singing.

May the angels watch over you both.

Laseirna · Post by **Laseirna** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 5:06 am

You are in my thoughts and prayers toy. Not everyone can do what you are doing and I think it's very brave and compassionate of you to do this.

I have a sister-in-law who spent 3 months helping to care for a terminally ill friend and she said it was one of the most rewarding things she has ever done. I'm sure you will find the strength and heart to sing wonderfully since you obviously have that already. I hope you and your aunt also find it as rewarding as my sister in law did.

Sunset Dreams · Post by **Sunset Dreams** » Sun Jun 26, 2005 1:31 pm

Sing your heart out girl. With as much love that you have everything else will be ok. God Bless you and Nancy!!!

Todtstoy · Post by **Todtstoy** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 3:02 am

Thank you so very much y'all. You have me in tears here. The cancer has spread to her brain. She started the radiation treatments 3 weeks ago. Thats what finally pushed her over the edge. She is very very weal and frail. I was singing to her a little today.. very softly as she was hurting. She told me when she finally went she didnt want no lil voice like that. She wants me to sing loudly.. but was glad i was singing softly to her. She loves the old country hymns. Good thing I was choir leader for 3 years hehehe.. I haven't sang the same song twice. I am off to bed now. She was up 6 times last nigh.. then up at 6 am to begin again. kisses and hugs to you all

thenetworkgod · Post by **thenetworkgod** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 7:27 am

Words fail me.

Just take care Todt!

You are in my thoughts.

Cymry · Post by **Cymry** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 2:12 pm

Do you know "Sweet Hour of Prayer?" That last verse is such a great picture of going home--

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer

May I thy consolation share

Till from Mount Pisgah's lofty height

I view my home and take my flight.

This robe of flesh I'll drop and rise

To seize the everlasting prize

And shout, while passing through the air,

"Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer."

There are other songs whose last verses are awesome as well, like "Nearer, My God, to Thee," "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," and of course, "Amazing Grace." I play piano/organ at church and have often thought of making a CD to be played at my own funeral. The clavinova I play also has bagpipe capabilities, and I always thought it would be cool to be able to play "Amazing Grace" on bagpipes at my own funeral. I hope your aunt has a quick and peaceful passing. Please keep us posted.

Sunset Dreams · Post by **Sunset Dreams** » Mon Jun 27, 2005 11:57 pm

My favorite has always Fly Away maybe she will like that one

Todtstoy · Post by **Todtstoy** » Tue Jun 28, 2005 3:16 am

She loves I'll Fly away and Amazing Grace. Her favorite is Just a Closer walk with Me. She told me she didn't want me to sing at her funeral. That it would just be to much on me after being with her through this. She said for me to grieve with the family and not to wear myself out practicing for her. LoL.. she was a CNA and has so many nurses in and out today. Grrrr you would think they would know she needs her rest.