(Note: I think I fixed the settings so comments can now be added.)
The Gang Green in Savannah is getting smaller by the day. Steve and Rita left after our late breakfast. Rita was the Kitchen Queen cooking and cleaning nonstop since she's been here, thank you very much! Steve was wonderful with Dad, helping with every little thing, attending to his personal needs, listening to his stories and providing much needed comic relief.
Dad's night was too short last night, waking up at 4 AM then every hour until about 7 when the rest of the crowd decided to stay up. Libbie and Steve went WAY out of their way to drive to McDonald's to get Dad his favorite sausage cheese biscuit. They were half way home when they discovered the order wasn't right. Back they went, reordered, and came home. Unfortunately, Dad's sausage and cheese was on a McGriddle instead of a biscuit, but Dad ate every bite. It was a lot of time and effort on their part to give Dad a special breakfast, which was very gracious of them!
Dad took a long nap after breakfast, and Libbie and I took a 3-mile walk. Then we had showers, did catch-up work on our computers, and it was lunch time. Dad woke up. He complained of chest and back pain, which is getting to be a more common complaint. We gave him a shot (by mouth) of his liquid morphine booster. For the first time in ages, I gave him a lunch without asking what he wanted. He started talking about peanut butter and jelly, but I already had a hot dog and mac & cheese on his plate. He was perfectly happy, especially when Lib gave him a bowl of ice cream with the last brownie (from Rita) for dessert.
Then, surprise surprise, a box of oatmeal cookies arrived via FedEx, courtesy of Mom. These cookies were shipped from St. Louis, where Mom and Dad used to get them during their high school days. Dad was thrilled! He asked for a malt to go with his first cookie.
It was football time - Dad snoozed on and off in the afternoon, possibly due to the extra morphine, and at one point wanted more ice cream but had peaches and jello instead. He was wide awake and hungry again by 6. We had salads and spaghetti bolognese.
Dad was ready for bed by 8:30, but we managed to keep him up for another hour. He did very well in the transfer from big blue chair to wheelchair, wheelchair to bed, and sitting position to sleeping position. He took all his pills without complaint and happily settled down for the evening.
He was very complimentary today of all his family and all we do for him. He had some imaginative moments, handing me an nonexistent remote to put on the table, for example, but nothing major. Most of his conversations were right on target. It was a calm and easy day.
Libbie leaves tomorrow, and I'll miss her. Besides being good company, she laundered all the sheets on the beds, did all the towels, washed a ton of dishes, made salads, kept me walking fast on our route, gave us an hour to visit some returning friends, and jumped up whenever Dad needed something. She'll be here with Dad tonight while Dave and I go home, but she has strict orders to call if she needs help. I hope Dad, and therefore Libbie, sleep well!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday - Geoff leaves
Kind of a crazy day today. Dad had a good night, sleeping over 8 hrs. straight, so we expected a good morning. He was congenial to everyone, yet would throw out some salty (and worse) language and could easily get irritated. Rita made a great breakfast of cantaloupe, egg and sausage casserole, a hashbrown casserole, and buttered toast. Dad ate a few bites then wanted to put syrup on everything. I added syrup then he took the bottle and added more. I wish I knew what was going on. Is his sweet tooth having cravings? Is he forgetting what is on his plate? Approximately 30 minutes after breakfast he wanted a malted milk shake. He put his recliner back to take a nap, but slept for only about 15 minutes, if that. There was a fair amount of "commotion" with 7 people in the house, but we were all catering to Dad's needs.
He had a few very disjointed conversations, almost as if he was dreaming. I gave him his lunch and he was almost through when Charisse and a new helper (a massage therapist) arrived. We had to work to get him to get up out of the recliner for his bath - he would have preferred to sit and chat all afternoon. As always, he enjoyed his bath and shave, and he loved the massage therapist rubbing his back. They brought him back out to the living room to the big blue chair. By that time, the visiting nurse and her nursing student were there to talk to Dad. More people! We agreed the current meds seem to be appropriate, and have made no changes.
Geoff had to leave for the airport, so said his goodbyes (waaaa) and Libbie drove him. Even though Geoff had been here since Monday, I felt we didn't have enough time. There was so much going on. I still look back to our (Dave's & my) visit with Geoff and Betsy in early July and appreciate the time we had with them then. This time it was really about Geoff being able to visit with Dad. I was glad Dad told Geoff many times how happy he was his old buddy was there.
Then the nurses left. I put Dad's recliner back, and he promptly fell asleep. Rita and Steve shooed us out the door (as they did for dinner last night!!!) and Dave and I ran a couple errands. Dad was still sleeping when we got home and I finally woke him up just before 6 pm after his 4 hour nap. Dave had gotten ribs from Sandfly Barbecue, and we pulled together the potato salad and deviled eggs from Mom, fried potatoes from Lib, pork & beans from Dad's cupboard, and mac & cheese from two nights ago. I ate quickly then went to play with Coleman while Molly took Chase to Country Day's Homecoming football game.
Steve and Dave put Dad to bed, and he was telling Peter Rabbit stories when I got home.
We do understand, and have always known, that small cell lung cancer often travels to the brain, and we are wondering if Dad is having some brain functioning issues. There has been nothing definitive, but certainly examples of Dad not being Dad, such as the salty language and dreamy talk. On a positive note, he holds my hand more often, which I like. He also is telling everyone he loves them, which we all like. Some things are better, some things are not. Kind of crazy.
He had a few very disjointed conversations, almost as if he was dreaming. I gave him his lunch and he was almost through when Charisse and a new helper (a massage therapist) arrived. We had to work to get him to get up out of the recliner for his bath - he would have preferred to sit and chat all afternoon. As always, he enjoyed his bath and shave, and he loved the massage therapist rubbing his back. They brought him back out to the living room to the big blue chair. By that time, the visiting nurse and her nursing student were there to talk to Dad. More people! We agreed the current meds seem to be appropriate, and have made no changes.
Geoff had to leave for the airport, so said his goodbyes (waaaa) and Libbie drove him. Even though Geoff had been here since Monday, I felt we didn't have enough time. There was so much going on. I still look back to our (Dave's & my) visit with Geoff and Betsy in early July and appreciate the time we had with them then. This time it was really about Geoff being able to visit with Dad. I was glad Dad told Geoff many times how happy he was his old buddy was there.
Then the nurses left. I put Dad's recliner back, and he promptly fell asleep. Rita and Steve shooed us out the door (as they did for dinner last night!!!) and Dave and I ran a couple errands. Dad was still sleeping when we got home and I finally woke him up just before 6 pm after his 4 hour nap. Dave had gotten ribs from Sandfly Barbecue, and we pulled together the potato salad and deviled eggs from Mom, fried potatoes from Lib, pork & beans from Dad's cupboard, and mac & cheese from two nights ago. I ate quickly then went to play with Coleman while Molly took Chase to Country Day's Homecoming football game.
Steve and Dave put Dad to bed, and he was telling Peter Rabbit stories when I got home.
We do understand, and have always known, that small cell lung cancer often travels to the brain, and we are wondering if Dad is having some brain functioning issues. There has been nothing definitive, but certainly examples of Dad not being Dad, such as the salty language and dreamy talk. On a positive note, he holds my hand more often, which I like. He also is telling everyone he loves them, which we all like. Some things are better, some things are not. Kind of crazy.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thursday - Libbie Arrives
This was another good day for Dad - not as great as yesterday, but again he was excited to see his company and was fairly chatty. His mental clarity was excellent some times, not as good at other times. He was delighted Rita told him she would be cooking dinner, and he looked forward to his fried chicken all day long.
He had slept well from about 10 PM to 4:30 AM, then wanted company again at 5:30 and 6:30, so the crowd was sleepily up by then. Dave and I slept really well at home, not even waking up until after 7! I went over to Dad's to see how the night had gone, dispensed the morning pills, then went back home to shower and dress properly. By the time I got back to Dad's, Rita had made breakfast and everyone but Dad was finished eating. We chatted a while and eventually took Dad back to his bedroom (he had been sitting at the table in his wheelchair wearing his bathrobe). We got him washed up, in clean clothes and boxers, and convinced him to take a nap in his bed. He became very confused about the time of day, I guess because he was in bed again.
Dave, Geoff and I went to do some errands while Steve and Rita stayed with Dad. Rita had suggested Dave and I go out for dinner, and I took her up on her suggestion. Dad overheard us talking, and he kept thinking we were leaving for dinner and a movie right then.
He eventually fell asleep, but napped for only an hour. Steve and Rita sat in his room and talked to him for quite a while. By then it was noon, Libbie arrived, and we were back from our errands. Dad settled down into the BBC.
Rita and Steve went to Kroger's, then Rita did her magic in the kitchen. Dad fell asleep and slept soundly for almost 3 hours. Since he was well rested, we're now trying to keep him awake until about 10, so he will sleep even better tonight. West Virginia football is on the television, so he's trying to keep his eyeballs focused on the game.
Libbie wanted me to tell everyone she's been a big help. I asked her how...ha ha. She just now served Dad his second bowl of ice cream. She's going to stay in his room tonight, which I'm sure will help Dad sleep well, knowing someone is there. She's also offered to take Geoff to the airport tomorrow. She IS a big help.
He had slept well from about 10 PM to 4:30 AM, then wanted company again at 5:30 and 6:30, so the crowd was sleepily up by then. Dave and I slept really well at home, not even waking up until after 7! I went over to Dad's to see how the night had gone, dispensed the morning pills, then went back home to shower and dress properly. By the time I got back to Dad's, Rita had made breakfast and everyone but Dad was finished eating. We chatted a while and eventually took Dad back to his bedroom (he had been sitting at the table in his wheelchair wearing his bathrobe). We got him washed up, in clean clothes and boxers, and convinced him to take a nap in his bed. He became very confused about the time of day, I guess because he was in bed again.
Dave, Geoff and I went to do some errands while Steve and Rita stayed with Dad. Rita had suggested Dave and I go out for dinner, and I took her up on her suggestion. Dad overheard us talking, and he kept thinking we were leaving for dinner and a movie right then.
He eventually fell asleep, but napped for only an hour. Steve and Rita sat in his room and talked to him for quite a while. By then it was noon, Libbie arrived, and we were back from our errands. Dad settled down into the BBC.
Rita and Steve went to Kroger's, then Rita did her magic in the kitchen. Dad fell asleep and slept soundly for almost 3 hours. Since he was well rested, we're now trying to keep him awake until about 10, so he will sleep even better tonight. West Virginia football is on the television, so he's trying to keep his eyeballs focused on the game.
Libbie wanted me to tell everyone she's been a big help. I asked her how...ha ha. She just now served Dad his second bowl of ice cream. She's going to stay in his room tonight, which I'm sure will help Dad sleep well, knowing someone is there. She's also offered to take Geoff to the airport tomorrow. She IS a big help.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Another Turn - UP this time!
I cannot believe what a difference there has been in Dad between yesterday and today. Night and day. Gone and back. Down and up. Yesterday he could hardly put a sentence together, and I was convinced he would never get out of bed again. He didn't even sit up without assistance. Today he has been chatty, clever, adding details to a story Dave was telling us about gladiators, sitting up in the Big Blue Chair ---
He had a great night, sleeping from about 10 pm to 7 am, with just an hour's interruption. He was awake just in time to say goodbye to Jon and Jack. (The goodbyes started my waterworks that didn't quit for quite a while.) Dad was so glad they were here, and even after they left he was still saying how much he appreciated all they did for him.
Tuesday evening we started a new regime of pills - the morphine, a sleeping pill, and a change of anti-anxiety medication. These changes, along with the catheter working like a charm, must have worked extremely well. All the swelling Dad had in his feet, arm and face was gone this morning, and as I said, he slept well. Let's hope this combination keeps it up!
Dad perked up as he woke up more fully, and I washed him. He then had a good breakfast of grapefruit and French toast and took all his pills. Then he wanted coffee (HOT coffee) and wanted to sit up even more. Geoff and I were skeptical, but we helped sit him up with his legs over the side of the bed, and he did great. Dave came home after taking Jon and Jack to the airport. Dad wanted to go into the living room to his Big Blue Chair, and we thought he could handle it, so we got him into the wheelchair and then into the BBC. He promptly fell asleep after all the activity, and slept for almost two hours.
He woke up just as Mom arrived. She wanted to visit with him, and also help us out in any way. She sure did! She brought LOTS of food goodies from Costco - my favorite - and some homemade deviled eggs. Thank you thank you!!!!!!
Dad and Mom chatted about high school, about their favorite oatmeal cookies, Dad's visit with Jack, etc. etc. He was so on the ball, and I kept saying to Mom, I cannot believe the difference between today and yesterday, when he was so out of it.
Steve and Rita surprised us by coming today, instead of tomorrow as we expected! I feel a little guilty sounding the alarm about Dad, as I think they hurried down, but I did wonder how many days Dad had left - until today. Now I wonder how many weeks he has left. Can you tell I am just amazed?
Geoff, Steve and Dave are putting Dad to bed right now, and I just heard a big laugh. It's been an amazingly good day after such a bad day yesterday. I just wish Jon and Jack could have been here. I am glad Mom, Geoff, Steve and Rita got to see Dad in such a relaxed and good mood.
He had a great night, sleeping from about 10 pm to 7 am, with just an hour's interruption. He was awake just in time to say goodbye to Jon and Jack. (The goodbyes started my waterworks that didn't quit for quite a while.) Dad was so glad they were here, and even after they left he was still saying how much he appreciated all they did for him.
Tuesday evening we started a new regime of pills - the morphine, a sleeping pill, and a change of anti-anxiety medication. These changes, along with the catheter working like a charm, must have worked extremely well. All the swelling Dad had in his feet, arm and face was gone this morning, and as I said, he slept well. Let's hope this combination keeps it up!
Dad perked up as he woke up more fully, and I washed him. He then had a good breakfast of grapefruit and French toast and took all his pills. Then he wanted coffee (HOT coffee) and wanted to sit up even more. Geoff and I were skeptical, but we helped sit him up with his legs over the side of the bed, and he did great. Dave came home after taking Jon and Jack to the airport. Dad wanted to go into the living room to his Big Blue Chair, and we thought he could handle it, so we got him into the wheelchair and then into the BBC. He promptly fell asleep after all the activity, and slept for almost two hours.
He woke up just as Mom arrived. She wanted to visit with him, and also help us out in any way. She sure did! She brought LOTS of food goodies from Costco - my favorite - and some homemade deviled eggs. Thank you thank you!!!!!!
Dad and Mom chatted about high school, about their favorite oatmeal cookies, Dad's visit with Jack, etc. etc. He was so on the ball, and I kept saying to Mom, I cannot believe the difference between today and yesterday, when he was so out of it.
Steve and Rita surprised us by coming today, instead of tomorrow as we expected! I feel a little guilty sounding the alarm about Dad, as I think they hurried down, but I did wonder how many days Dad had left - until today. Now I wonder how many weeks he has left. Can you tell I am just amazed?
Geoff, Steve and Dave are putting Dad to bed right now, and I just heard a big laugh. It's been an amazingly good day after such a bad day yesterday. I just wish Jon and Jack could have been here. I am glad Mom, Geoff, Steve and Rita got to see Dad in such a relaxed and good mood.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesday - Bed Day
This was Dad's first day spent entirely in bed.
He had an awful night last night. He slept from 10-12, and maybe one more hour between midnight and 7 AM. He wanted to sit up and would not go back to sleep. We're finding out this restlessness and agitation is typical of terminally ill patients. Who knew?
He was having a lot of chest pain this morning, so after calling Hospice, we gave him a small dose of liquid morphine. Beth the visiting nurse came and we decided it was time to give Dad a catheter. He was not happy, but when all was said and done, he slept for several hours. It was a big relief for all of us. He still can forget he has it, and want to get up, but we've been able to talk him into staying in bed, so far.
Charisse came after Beth left, and as a result Dad is clean, shaved and has clean linens. He told both Charisse and Beth he appreciates their gentle manner.
Dad often has trouble finishing his sentences, as he can't come up with what he wants to say. Then he'll say, "You'll have to forgive me for being so slow, I can't think or speak coherently." All in one breath! Mostly though, he struggles, and often looks like he falls asleep, when actually he is thinking of what to say next, or what word he wants.
He has been feverish today, though seems better this evening. His face and eyelids are swollen.
I tuned in NPR on his bedside radio this evening. He wants to hear how the rescue of the miners is going.
We got out of the house in shifts today. Uncle Jack and I went for a nice walk, Jon was able to have lunch with his client and friend Anna, Dave and Geoff went to the store and ordered new tires for Dave's car, then later helped Molly put up a curtain rod in Cole's bedroom. The one thing we didn't accomplish was to let Jon have a nap!
Even though Dad couldn't join us, Dave and I had a very pleasant dinner with Jack, Geoff and Jon. It's very rare occasions we all get together. Jack and Jon leave tomorrow, Mom is coming down for the day, and Steve and Libbie arrive Thursday. I hope Dad stays at least alert as he is now, though admittedly that is not very alert.
He was having a lot of chest pain this morning, so after calling Hospice, we gave him a small dose of liquid morphine. Beth the visiting nurse came and we decided it was time to give Dad a catheter. He was not happy, but when all was said and done, he slept for several hours. It was a big relief for all of us. He still can forget he has it, and want to get up, but we've been able to talk him into staying in bed, so far.
Charisse came after Beth left, and as a result Dad is clean, shaved and has clean linens. He told both Charisse and Beth he appreciates their gentle manner.
Dad often has trouble finishing his sentences, as he can't come up with what he wants to say. Then he'll say, "You'll have to forgive me for being so slow, I can't think or speak coherently." All in one breath! Mostly though, he struggles, and often looks like he falls asleep, when actually he is thinking of what to say next, or what word he wants.
He has been feverish today, though seems better this evening. His face and eyelids are swollen.
I tuned in NPR on his bedside radio this evening. He wants to hear how the rescue of the miners is going.
We got out of the house in shifts today. Uncle Jack and I went for a nice walk, Jon was able to have lunch with his client and friend Anna, Dave and Geoff went to the store and ordered new tires for Dave's car, then later helped Molly put up a curtain rod in Cole's bedroom. The one thing we didn't accomplish was to let Jon have a nap!
Even though Dad couldn't join us, Dave and I had a very pleasant dinner with Jack, Geoff and Jon. It's very rare occasions we all get together. Jack and Jon leave tomorrow, Mom is coming down for the day, and Steve and Libbie arrive Thursday. I hope Dad stays at least alert as he is now, though admittedly that is not very alert.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Monday - Geoff Arrives
We have a full house! Uncle Jack, Geoff and Jon are all here, as are Dave and I. I met Geoff at the airport shortly after noon. Dave had gone to Walmart to get more equipment, specifically a moveable handhold for the shower, and an attachment that goes on the shower nozzle so we can use a hand-held sprayer. Although yesterday we thought it was a great idea to get Dad on the shower stool and let him enjoy a shower, now we're not sure he's up to it.
What a difference a day makes. Yesterday Dad was grumpy and feisty and getting out of his chair to stand up every hour. Today he is sleepy, as sweet as he can be, and has to be pulled out of his chair. Jon was concerned that perhaps the amount of pain pills we are giving him is too much, causing his lethargy. Thank goodness we had a visit from the Hospice visiting nurse today. She was helpful in explaining what is going on and reviewing the combination of his meds. She said she can tell Dad's lethargy is not from medication, he has taken a downward turn. We certainly do not want to reduce the pain medication if it is doing its job. And we want to add whatever will make him more comfortable.
Dad had a bad night last night (and therefore so did Jon). He was up more often, talking nonsense, not wanting to go back to bed, he was anxious and restless. Who knows what was going on inside????
Dad's urine output has dropped, which probably means his kidneys are not functioning properly. His heavily bruised right arm suddenly looks worse after 10 days of getting better, it's warm and was hurting. The nurse thinks he is developing blood clots in his arm. His left leg - his swollen leg - and his left foot has gotten much worse in the last 24 hours, and his right foot is swelling, too. That is another sign of his kidneys not working.
We're changing Dad's medications slightly, changing from Xanax to Atavan (for anxiety), and adding Restoril (for sleeping). His prescription for Oxycodone will be finished tomorrow and we're substituting morphine. Every day we are reminded that even though we wish there were concrete answers and fixes for things that hurt, there are not.
Dad was very happy to see Geoff and keeps calling him his old buddy. He's told him a few times how glad he is to see him. Dad has been very nice today, with the exception of a couple of digs during dinner, but we have to assume these are, excuse the expression, brain farts. We can expect changes in personality and perhaps delusions as time goes on.
Dad has been enjoying music, listening to Uncle Jack's iPod with earphones today, and at dinner (tonight was Billboard's Country Hits, again). I'll have to check my cache of CDs to see what other gems I can find. He's heard The Mavericks, Frank Sinatra, Paolo Conte and Edith Piaf. I've got a few ideas.
Dad is very frustrated he can't read. He fell asleep as Uncle Jack was reading him an article yesterday, and today as I was reading (at his request) an article about the NY Jets. I don't think he has the concentration for a book on CD.
The Jets and Vikings are on the tube, and 3 of the 5 guys are interested. Dave and I will be headed home. Jon is playing with his iPad. Since every day is different, I'm hoping for a good night's sleep for everyone, and a great day tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed.
What a difference a day makes. Yesterday Dad was grumpy and feisty and getting out of his chair to stand up every hour. Today he is sleepy, as sweet as he can be, and has to be pulled out of his chair. Jon was concerned that perhaps the amount of pain pills we are giving him is too much, causing his lethargy. Thank goodness we had a visit from the Hospice visiting nurse today. She was helpful in explaining what is going on and reviewing the combination of his meds. She said she can tell Dad's lethargy is not from medication, he has taken a downward turn. We certainly do not want to reduce the pain medication if it is doing its job. And we want to add whatever will make him more comfortable.
Dad had a bad night last night (and therefore so did Jon). He was up more often, talking nonsense, not wanting to go back to bed, he was anxious and restless. Who knows what was going on inside????
Dad's urine output has dropped, which probably means his kidneys are not functioning properly. His heavily bruised right arm suddenly looks worse after 10 days of getting better, it's warm and was hurting. The nurse thinks he is developing blood clots in his arm. His left leg - his swollen leg - and his left foot has gotten much worse in the last 24 hours, and his right foot is swelling, too. That is another sign of his kidneys not working.
We're changing Dad's medications slightly, changing from Xanax to Atavan (for anxiety), and adding Restoril (for sleeping). His prescription for Oxycodone will be finished tomorrow and we're substituting morphine. Every day we are reminded that even though we wish there were concrete answers and fixes for things that hurt, there are not.
Dad was very happy to see Geoff and keeps calling him his old buddy. He's told him a few times how glad he is to see him. Dad has been very nice today, with the exception of a couple of digs during dinner, but we have to assume these are, excuse the expression, brain farts. We can expect changes in personality and perhaps delusions as time goes on.
Dad has been enjoying music, listening to Uncle Jack's iPod with earphones today, and at dinner (tonight was Billboard's Country Hits, again). I'll have to check my cache of CDs to see what other gems I can find. He's heard The Mavericks, Frank Sinatra, Paolo Conte and Edith Piaf. I've got a few ideas.
Dad is very frustrated he can't read. He fell asleep as Uncle Jack was reading him an article yesterday, and today as I was reading (at his request) an article about the NY Jets. I don't think he has the concentration for a book on CD.
The Jets and Vikings are on the tube, and 3 of the 5 guys are interested. Dave and I will be headed home. Jon is playing with his iPad. Since every day is different, I'm hoping for a good night's sleep for everyone, and a great day tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Sunday - Football Feast
It's a football feast for football fans (Dad and Jack); Dave, Jon and I did other things. Jon and I made a quick trip to The Fresh Market then Krogers, Dave played computer solitaire while staying with the Green brothers. He had been able to make it to church this morning, while I stayed here and did laundry, gathered up the recycles, and generally putzed around Dad's house. Jon had gotten up with Dad 3 times during the night, so he still hasn't had a good solid block of sleep. He is continuing to sleep on the mattress on the floor in Dad's room.
Dad's mood/attitude has been a little different with Uncle Jack here, but it's hard to put my finger on what it is. He's been constipated and grumpy, bossy, and a little kingly. I think he is trying hard to be the tough guy in front of his brother; I acknowledge I could be completely wrong. He has complained very little about pain, and maybe he is extremely uncomfortable and doesn't want to say so. I do know he is self-conscious about having anyone help him, and I think it makes him grumpy to be this way in front of Uncle Jack. I hope he can relax a little bit and realize we all want to make things easier for him, not emasculate him.
The weather has been beautiful. Jon, Jack and I traced Dad's route for a walk this afternoon and enjoyed the scenery and breezes. I'd love to get Dad outside on his porch swing for an hour, but he hasn't been in the mood. I think if he were able to go outside, he would perk up. I know I would.
Dad's mood/attitude has been a little different with Uncle Jack here, but it's hard to put my finger on what it is. He's been constipated and grumpy, bossy, and a little kingly. I think he is trying hard to be the tough guy in front of his brother; I acknowledge I could be completely wrong. He has complained very little about pain, and maybe he is extremely uncomfortable and doesn't want to say so. I do know he is self-conscious about having anyone help him, and I think it makes him grumpy to be this way in front of Uncle Jack. I hope he can relax a little bit and realize we all want to make things easier for him, not emasculate him.
The weather has been beautiful. Jon, Jack and I traced Dad's route for a walk this afternoon and enjoyed the scenery and breezes. I'd love to get Dad outside on his porch swing for an hour, but he hasn't been in the mood. I think if he were able to go outside, he would perk up. I know I would.
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