Home from ICU

It’s been good for Susan and for us to have her home. She arrived Saturday evening following deliveries of medical equipment and medications, and has settled in to her bed in our den where we all spend most of our time. After sleeping or being minimally responsive all week with seizure activity, she barely awoke during the entire ambulance ride, transfer to her bed, and nurse’s exam.

At first I wondered how a guy should treat his wife on hospice and was unsure what to do. Like suddenly I’m a rookie. But when she woke up later, since it’s all about her comfort, I realized it’s simple – see what she wants. We started with sips of water. She drank a few ounces for the first time since having her feeding tube removed, swallowing easily and coughing only a little. Later she was a little more alert, so I asked her if she was hungry. She was, so I offered her an Ensure shake. She drank about half and went back to sleep.

Sunday we continued with water. Then she drank the rest of the Ensure plus another bottle, followed by some applesauce. A trend was on. I’ve expanded her soft diet today with hot cereal, fruit cups, scrambled eggs, banana, and tonight, mac & cheese plus green salad.

Susan’s strength and energy for life are amazing. With no seizure activity, she’s been sleeping less and more responsive while awake. She’s gone from no responses to yes/no responses to sentences. I’m sure she's been spurred on by stimulating visits with groups of family and friends. Our home is nice for her, with fewer disruptions and the usual household clatter. This morning she was well-rested, lucid and just the right amount of sassy.

Her UCLA neuro-oncologist and social worker were thrilled to hear the news today; and her hospice RN case manager was impressed with what he saw. Of course, we know things can change quickly, but we truly celebrate that Susan has perked up so well.

We know that people are praying for us, so thank you. We feel and appreciate such support. We pray that God will be exalted and that he would give us all transforming experiences as we trust him.