Hospice Update
After a rough night Friday, Merle has settled in to the hospice and seems comfortable there. He still has a lot of edema in his belly and his legs, making it difficult for him to walk, but it has improved now that he is in the hospital bed with his legs up for most of the day. We take short walks around the facility and in its garden a couple of times a day to keep up his mobility, but he is resting 20 plus hours a day. He is very jaundiced from liver failure, and the combination of dehydration and jaundice makes it difficult for him to focus or express a rational thought. His pain seems well controlled by the morphine pump he is now on, though.
Our family is coming down to help out with managing things here. My parents came Saturday and will stay until Wednesday. Merle’s mom came today and will stay indefinitely. Merle’s sister may come Thursday for a few days. Merle’s brother is coming Friday for the weekend. The plan is to have one adult with Merle to make sure he does not try to get up by himself (he is very unsteady on hos feet) and one adult with my kids at all times. Between family, church friends, CDC colleagues, BSA friends, and others this plan seems to be working well.
The plan is for Merle to stay in hospice for 1 week for evaluation, and then he may be able to come home for a while. They are trying to get some of the fluid off, re-evaluate his medications,and make sure his pain is under control.
Thank you for the update, MaryBeth. I’m glad to hear Merle’s pain is being managed, your extended family has arrived, and more are scheduled to be there soon. It sounds like your circle of care is wide and willing. You know I’m here if you need me.
let me know when you want me
I’m sending my best wishes from California. Let him know he did everything he could and this website is the best.
MaryBeth,
We are currently living in Key Largo, so I have been out of the loop for awhile. I am sorry to hear of Merle’s current struggles. I am lifting Merle, you, the kids and family up in prayer. With love, Missy
Prayers from a stranger who has read his blog for a year. I do hope that he can come home and my prayers are with you and the kids.
Hi MB – My love to you and the kids. Tell him that I love him. I have no words. I wish I did…my thoughts are with you all.
Thanks for the update Mary Beth. Please tell Merle we love him. I am glad that so many folks are coming in to help.
We love you all very much.
Ele and Daniel
Thanks for the update. I have Merle,you, and your family in my heart and mind. Wishing you strength and sending all my love.
Thank you for the update. Please let Merle know that he and your family are in my thoughts, and also please tell him that I love him and hate that this is happening. He has inspired so many people with the way he has approached the horrible reality of having pancreatic cancer, and I have shared his approach of “I’m not dead yet” with some of my patients who have been diagnosed with cancer when they have thought that there was little point in continuing to live an active life.
Mary Beth, we are keeping you and Merle and the kids in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing you peace and comfort at this time. Love, Aunt linda and uncle John
Thank you for the update, MaryBeth. Please give Merle my best wishes and love. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Hi Mary Beth, I am sending all my love and support to you all. I wish that I could be there sooner rather than later, but know that his karate family is thinking of him, you and the kids. I wish I could express more thoughts and feelings,but it is hard to do at this time. Still praying for you all with much love.