Hospice and Morphine

Hospice and enough morphine have been huge blessings in the life of Rosie, Kennedy's mom, as she battles the cancer that has ravaged her body. Upon our arrival in America a little over a month ago, we found Rosie in intense and unrelenting pain that was tormenting her both day and night. Sometime last year the cancer that was in her lungs spread to her bones and took up residence in her ribs, skull and neck, femur and spine. This kind of bone cancer is known to cause excruciating pain, and the medications that she was on were not enough to keep the pain in check.

It is a terrible experience to see someone you love in so much pain and distress and not know what to do about it or how to help. Our first few visits with Rosie were heartbreaking and difficult to deal with.

When Rosie chose to do chemotherapy it caused mouth sores, gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms that made it impossible for her to continue the chemo treatment, even though it would mean adding months to her life. She has chosen hospice instead and there has been a significant improvement in the quality of her life, for which we are very grateful. Hospice has provided additional morphine that has stopped "breakthough" pain and enabled Rosie to go through her days and nights without the excruciating pain that she was experiencing. Hospice has also provided a special hospital bed that is much more comfortable for her. A nurse comes to bathe her and check on her, and there is someone monitoring her medication daily.

Visits are good now, with opportunities to talk together, to eat together, and sometimes even to laugh together. To hug, kiss and say "I love you" to this beloved woman. Thank you for praying with us, we are so thankful for you.

Comments

Jeff Callow said…
It's good to hear that things are a bit better for Ken's mother. Sometimes when I read your blogs tears comes to my eyes. We constantly remember you and the family in prayer, Wendy.
20/2/10 8:35 PM
Oceanicthai said…
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21/2/10 2:56 AM
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21/2/10 11:42 PM
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