After 2 posts in 2 days another long gap - sorry about that
It's been a busy few weeks and we are heading into spring break and hopefully spring (but not by the look of today!) so here's a quick recap:
Karen continues to hang in there but the decline keeps happening. She sleeps more as the days go by and eating is becoming a lot more work. She's now on a soft food diet and drinks thickened fluids. When doing the selections on the next menu Jen told me they had minced toast?!? Really? (we didn't pick that one). The staff at Riverview continue to amaze me with their care and compassion and take such good care of her. Karen hasn't gotten out of bed for a while now but they tend to her every need (and ours too!). Today I helped them remove Karen's ring - it had been tight for over a year and a half and she was determined that it wouldn't be cut off so since she's been in hospital a few have tired to take it off without success. We've all been watching it and this week's nurse was concerned so they found the best techniques among the staff and iced her finger and we tired a couple - the second one worked like a charm and didn't seem to even hurt much. I told her she couldn't get rid of me that easily but I'm sure her finger will be much more comfortable. (if you are having trouble with your rings and have some dental floss I can help!). Other than a little hiccup flushing her port a cath last week (which was also successfully resolved) things have otherwise been pretty quiet.
We were happy to have a visit a couple of weeks ago from a good friend from Montreal. It was great to see her and I know Karen enjoyed all the attention. The wonderful thing about this not at all wonderful journey is reconnecting with and visiting with many dear friends - thanks to everyone!
We've also been busy with a variety of other activities
- Jen's opera with the Chamber Orchestra was a huge success (even her brother admitted to liking it) and the Free Press reviewer gave it 4 stars out of 5!
- both kids got great report cards and parent teacher conferences
- Jen successfully completed another swimming level
- Kris has gotten himself invited to yet another Jets game (#3) (and Dad's just getting to his first of the season this week)
- Hope made another visit to Riverview without incident
That's probably enough to bring you up to date. We'll try to keep you up to date. In the meantime thanks for all the love and prayers you keep sending our way - you have no idea how much it means to us!
Love
Doug and the gang
