The saddest day of my life

I am sorry to say that Jo passed away peacefully today at 1205hrs.
She will be sadly missed by all her family, friends and colleagues whose help and support has been of enormous comfort over the last few months.
Once arrangements are comfirmed I'll post the details.
We welcome all who wish to join the family in celebrating Jo's life.

Update Sunday 13th Sept

I do apologise for the long gapbut I'm near exaustion after these eight months of watch waiting, the last month has been particlarly distress especiallying since Jo's personality changes - the anger and rejection are the hardest things which are continually directed at me are particularly very difficult to understand. all the theories by the nurses and doctors do nothing to take away the pain I feel every day at being told to go away is unimaginable.

Jo was administered the last Rites on Thursday she was awake and she did her best to participate. and now she has been moved to a room on her on her own - so that her temper tantrums directed at the Doctor and nurses didn't upset the the patience.

I asked the doctor what her best guess was and she said weeks not days, that was 3 weeks ago. the longer she lasts the more pain she suffers and the more agitated she gets. I've given up predicting, I just pray that the end comes sooner than later to give her a happy release. she has been suffering to long. if you go to visit just go in and go right to the end of the Hospice she is in a room behind the ward clerk's desk.

If when you have paid a visit you can post a guest blog it will update and give a different slant on the situation thus making it easier for me.

Guest Blogger Sarah Edwards

Bernie and I have been up to see Jo this morning, and she was fast asleep and she looked so beautiful and peaceful. The nurses say that she has been more settled today. She was in some pain, but the nurse gave her some painkillers and they seemed to help, and was probably why she was sleeping. We didn't wake her up as it seemed best to leave her to sleep, and Bernie is going to visit again later.

Millie and Jess have been in to see her, and were very excited to see their mum. Jo gave them a cuddle. They miss her and are on constant watch for her to come home.

Guest Blogger Deborah Gurr

Bernie and I went to see Jo today , Jo is very quiet now the sedation helping Jo makes her very sleepy. Although it is comforting not to see Jo in an agitated state it is very upsetting to see her so tired and hardly with us.

Jo has complained of some pain in the last day or so, not severe and she is having painkillers to help.
Doctors have now said that it is a matter of weeks now.
If you do visit do not be alarmed that JO might not be very aware of who you are or that you are there.

up date Jo

Jo has gone back to the Katherine House H0spice , on Wednesday entirely of her own volition. If you intend visit her prepare your self for quite shock as her personality has totally changed and it is very difficult to think of her as the quiet calm sweet Jo that we all knew and loved.

The Jo we see no is very angry and a bit aggressive , please don't take any thing she says to heart as she does not know what she is saying to you. It is very distressing to sit with her he hospice is trying very hard to get to the root of this new phase. another up date in a few days

Up-date Tuesday 18th August

Just a quick note to let everyone know that after a difficult 2 days nights, Jo has been allocated a bed back in the Katherione House Hospice. Please note that she is very poorly so I would ask that you leave the next couple of days free of visits and then ring the Hospice first to see if she is up to it before you go. KH, tel: 01295 811866.

When I have news of her condition I will update the blog.

Apologies for the gap between blogs but we have had a busy week. Jo had a good week in Katherine House and we were very pleased with the level of care that they provided. We even got a Sunday lunch together.

Jo came out of Katherine House on Tuesday afternoon and is now at home with us all once again. Her condition has stabalised but she is still suffering with a UTI which can sometimes be quite uncomfortable for her.

Jo is very glad to be home but is still readjusting after having spent over a week away. We are also still getting back into routine. The carers are now coming to see Jo four times a day which gives her more confidence and takes a lot of pressure off of us.

Whilst Jo is looking forward to seeing people she is using this week to get back into routine and adjust to being at home again. If you wish to visit please telephone to arrange a time with us.