Monday 29 June 2009
Update
Jo has had a very good weekend , since the previous weekend which was very scary, she has been put on a drug cocktail that has perked her up no end, but due to her deteriorating condition she is becoming increasingly very tired so the GP and the Macmillan Nurses have asked me to limit her visitors to strictly to 4 persons in any one day, and only family on Sundays as it was all getting too much for her. so please ring in advance and I'll put you in the diary she would love to say good bye to all her friends. but at a leisurely pace that doesn't wipe her out
Thursday 25 June 2009
Change of plan
Jo has changed her mind, she now wants to stay at home right up to the end. So we have cancelled her respite week at the Kathrine House Hospice. It'll make it much harder for Jamie and I, but it's her will and we will get an enormous amont of help from the McMillan nurses.
Friday 19 June 2009
Jo condition gives cause for concern
After a very bad night Jo has got worse she woke up this morning delerious and very aggitated we called in the Macmillan nurse and he doctor, aftter examining her and talking to her they are of the opinion that Jo is fading rapidly. They contacted the paliative care consultant who prescribed different drugs, basicly to make her comforftable untill the end, whicfh could be any day now. We have a nightnurse on all night.
I'm numb I can't image life without my Jo.
I'm numb I can't image life without my Jo.
Thursday 18 June 2009
Jo's condition worsens
Since Sunday Jo's has detriorated rather quickly, her speech is now totally inaudible and her movements are very unstable and she has had several falls.
she sleeps alot now which is a sign of the start of the final phase. And her personality has chaged . we all remember her as a soft spoken and chatty person, who allways wore a smile, now she is increasingly withdrawn and she sits for most of the day gazing out at the garden and rocking back and forth in her favourite chair, it is heart breaking to watch.
The dogs are very aware and they no longer spend as much time sitting with her favourite"Millie" our black lab allways used to sit with on her head on Jo's lap: now she goes into her bed something she's never done.
Jo goes into the Kathrine House Hospice a week Friday. I'm afraid that she will not come out.
The beer and bluegrass will still be going ahead regardless - this is Jo's wish, for those of you left that have not bought tickets or know nothing of the event, go to www.beerandbluegrass.co.uk the tickets are going fast so have a look, it's unlikely that Jo will be around for it so we will make it a memorial event.
I'm finishing now as the sleepless nights are begining to take there toll.
she sleeps alot now which is a sign of the start of the final phase. And her personality has chaged . we all remember her as a soft spoken and chatty person, who allways wore a smile, now she is increasingly withdrawn and she sits for most of the day gazing out at the garden and rocking back and forth in her favourite chair, it is heart breaking to watch.
The dogs are very aware and they no longer spend as much time sitting with her favourite"Millie" our black lab allways used to sit with on her head on Jo's lap: now she goes into her bed something she's never done.
Jo goes into the Kathrine House Hospice a week Friday. I'm afraid that she will not come out.
The beer and bluegrass will still be going ahead regardless - this is Jo's wish, for those of you left that have not bought tickets or know nothing of the event, go to www.beerandbluegrass.co.uk the tickets are going fast so have a look, it's unlikely that Jo will be around for it so we will make it a memorial event.
I'm finishing now as the sleepless nights are begining to take there toll.
Sunday 7 June 2009
Update Sunday 7th June 2009 - Bernie and Sarah
Jo had her last assessment at the Churchill and was given the bad news, things have steady progressed especially her stability and use of her right hand, which is now practically disfunctional.
They have upped her medication in the hope of improving her speech, however, the difference is insignificant. The MacMillan nurses come in regularly and are excellent. We have found their service valuable, and we are very grateful for their help.
Jo has got a respite week at the Katharine House Hospice beginning Friday 26th June to Friday 3rd July, and plans are being made for Bernie to go with her. Both Bernie and Jo would love to see you whilst they are at Katharine House, but it might be an idea to ring the hospice to check visiting times and whether it's OK.
This is Sarah - the MacMillan Nurse advises that she feels it is better that Jo has only up to 3 visitors a day, as she is getting very tired. The effort she has to put into speaking is really exhausting, so please could you ring Bernie first if you are intending to visit, just to check that she's up to it. She is still really keen to see you all, but we just have to be a bit careful. We have a laugh trying to understand each other, and a few good games of charades have come out of it!!!
She's a brave woman and I admire her so much for her courage and determination, and still insists on being as independent as ever. Her dogs, Jessie and Milly are protecting her and giving her constant happiness. She was pottering about in the garden last weekend and the garden looks beautiful as ever. Her appetite has improved since the increase in medication, and it's good to see her eating - her jeans are slipping off her!!
Continued thanks to the dog walkers, and all those who have been helping to keep the house in order, and Ashley and Debs for helping Bernie start to clear the garage, no mean feat I can tell you!!! Bernie tells me that he's sure his collection of wood, rivets and golf balls will come in handy one day!! I think if everyone that visits sneaks a couple of golf balls into their pockets then we should have cleared them by Christmas.
We will keep you posted - watch this space
Bernie & Sarah xx
Jo had her last assessment at the Churchill and was given the bad news, things have steady progressed especially her stability and use of her right hand, which is now practically disfunctional.
They have upped her medication in the hope of improving her speech, however, the difference is insignificant. The MacMillan nurses come in regularly and are excellent. We have found their service valuable, and we are very grateful for their help.
Jo has got a respite week at the Katharine House Hospice beginning Friday 26th June to Friday 3rd July, and plans are being made for Bernie to go with her. Both Bernie and Jo would love to see you whilst they are at Katharine House, but it might be an idea to ring the hospice to check visiting times and whether it's OK.
This is Sarah - the MacMillan Nurse advises that she feels it is better that Jo has only up to 3 visitors a day, as she is getting very tired. The effort she has to put into speaking is really exhausting, so please could you ring Bernie first if you are intending to visit, just to check that she's up to it. She is still really keen to see you all, but we just have to be a bit careful. We have a laugh trying to understand each other, and a few good games of charades have come out of it!!!
She's a brave woman and I admire her so much for her courage and determination, and still insists on being as independent as ever. Her dogs, Jessie and Milly are protecting her and giving her constant happiness. She was pottering about in the garden last weekend and the garden looks beautiful as ever. Her appetite has improved since the increase in medication, and it's good to see her eating - her jeans are slipping off her!!
Continued thanks to the dog walkers, and all those who have been helping to keep the house in order, and Ashley and Debs for helping Bernie start to clear the garage, no mean feat I can tell you!!! Bernie tells me that he's sure his collection of wood, rivets and golf balls will come in handy one day!! I think if everyone that visits sneaks a couple of golf balls into their pockets then we should have cleared them by Christmas.
We will keep you posted - watch this space
Bernie & Sarah xx
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