February 24, 2010

Dad is taken off the respirator early today and the trach collar is already on by 9AM. We are thrilled that the hospital is moving so quickly, but also concerned that since Dad is now breathing on his own without support of the respirator, time is of the essence. We are with him again today and he is moved to an unmonitored room on the 3rd floor about 11AM. We are thrilled to have a room to ourselves where we can stay with Dad continuously, comforting him and keeping him strong in his wish to get home. Pastor Zelt arrives to visit today and while he is there, the doctors that will assist with Dad's move home meet with us in Dad's room. They will be treating Dad's symptoms not his illness during this time. They explain that we will be working with Hospice to make Dad's final time at home comfortable. The goal to get him to his home in Oakdale is not logistically possible and so we decide that moving Dad there would not be a safe decision. We all decide that my home in Fremont is the logical choice for Dad and he agrees. I am torn with this decision as I know how much everyone wants Dad at his home with Mom. I want to make sure that my family is alright with my home and they pour out the love of their hearts to me and tell me that they are happy to have Dad come to my home. The room is so peaceful without the constant sound of alarms and machines. They are giving Dad morphine now; 2 mg. constant drip, which I am told isn't much and also Adavan for any anxiety he may experience. The morphine works quickly and Dad goes to sleep. He sleeps for hours and we are not able to wake him. Sheri needs to drive home to Livermore to get her daughters, Brittney, Megan and Karlie to visit Dad. It is just too much to drive and so her boyfriend, Hugh offers to drive and get the girls and bring them back to the hospital. Dad is still sleeping and Dr. Sheikh comes into the room to explain that Dad's body is no longer absorbing the nutrition of the feeding tube and that he is planning to turn it off. He tells us that he doesn't expect him to wake and we gradually accept that Dad is in his final moments. We understand and agree to the removal of the feeding tube as this is a continuation of the request Dad gave us before he went into his deep sleep. We realize that the time is only drawing nearer now. I have a very strong need for my children to see their Papa, but it just isn't going to happen tonight as they are not local or working. Sheri and her girls arrive and Tammy is also there with her daughters Taylor and Leah. They are all standing around Dad's bed and the sobs and cries are heard throughout the hospital floor. We all try to comfort each other and explain that Papa went to sleep and the doctors don't expect him to wake. My son Joey is on his way as well and I am careful not to discuss Dad's condition as I want him to see his Papa, asleep or not. Joey arrives at about 9PM and Dad continues to sleep. He stays a bit and then drives back to his home in Livermore and the girls all decide to head down to the vending machines for snacks with their Grandma. While they are gone, the nurses come in and see that Dad needs to be shifted and they begin the tedious task of lifting moving and cleaning Dad up for his night of sleep. While they are doing this Dad wakes up and is wide awake! Someone calls the girls and they come running up to the room to see their Papa awake and smiling at them. The cry and laugh and spend time with him and he is awake and responsive for a long time. Sheri, Tammy and I finally decide that we should head home and Mom is going to sleep at the hospital tonight with Dad. Being out of ICU has many benefits and the nurses are as amazing as ever in their quest to take care of our father. I drive home feeling exhausted and concerned that we need to get Dad out of the hospital as quickly as possible.