As of Saturday night, Dad was admitted to the Dougherty House for in-hospice care. He had a couple of bad nights of falling, etc. This has been a very tough couple of days - - it is yet to be determined if we are here for a brief (5 days or so) respite stay or for the long haul.
Dad's condition continues to worsen. There is good news in that he was able to have the catheter removed. He is occasionally confused and that was a huge annoyance for him. He was able to urinate on his own last night and this morning (though next to no urine) but has not been able to go this afternoon. We do not know yet if this is urinary retention from the narcotics or a shut-down. They will be doing a bladder scan at some point to check for urine.
Increase mouth secretions (spit, to be blunt in a way my father would appreciate) has lead to a need for a patch behind his ear to help dry it up a bit as well as some suction. Sometimes he can do this alone, but sometimes needs our help.
We are battling feelings of letting Dad down if we need to stay at Dougherty House. It was our family's plan that he would remain at home, but nothing has gone according to plan. This disease has been relentless in its attack on him and surprises us every day in its level of cruelty.
Dad continues to amaze us with his reserve strength - he hasn't really eaten anything in days and fluid intake is minimal, especially now that he takes no pills orally and only through the "button" they put on his arm.
Please continue prayers for comfort, peace and trust in the will of God.
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