Janet DeMeo
unread,Oct 16, 2016, 11:27:27 PM10/16/16Sign in to reply to author
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My dear friends,
Although some of you already know various details in this email, I am sharing what I sent to our family and friends who are unaware.
Once again so much has happened in just seven days. Ron never made it to his radiation treatment on Monday, 10/10, as he had a rapid heart beat, low oxygen level, and could not be awakened after eating his breakfast. He finally opened his eyes at 7 PM and avoided a trip to the emergency room.
Tuesday he went for treatment and was able to sit in a wheelchair to watch an entertainer at the nursing home. On Wednesday, he had a fever, increased heart rate, and fell asleep after breakfast in the ambulance transport going to Sloan for radiation. The technicians were able to prop him up for the treatment, although he never awakened. He remained asleep the entire day. When these symptoms persisted Thursday morning, he was taken to the emergency room at Morristown Hospital.
He was admitted to the oncology wing that evening to determine whether an infection might be causing these symptoms. He has a private room here with extremely attentive hospital staff. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, Ron's low grade fever and rapid heart beat persist, in addition to other imbalances in his blood. A severe bleed he developed Friday frightened us. It may have been due to the infusion of the biologic, Avastin, which he had received the previous week. His right side already had a weakness, but is now paralyzed. His left side now also displays weakness. The firm grip which squeezed our hands is not even able to close over them.
Chris arrived Monday when Ron was doing so poorly. On Friday, the doctor suggested that Michael make the trip from Connecticut since Ron's condition was quite tenuous. Except for a few brief moments today, Ron has continued to sleep since Wednesday morning. As Ron did not want extreme measures taken to gain just a momentary extension of his life, we will talk to representatives from hospice tomorrow morning.
In the meantime, a steady stream of relatives and friends are visiting. We have been told that the conversation in the room is good for Ron, so we have tried to keep it lively! I have slept on a pull out couch in his room since Friday. Although it is difficult to sleep in a hospital with continuous interruptions by the staff coming into the room, I would not be able to sleep at all if I were home. I want to remain here to give him reassurance by talking to him and holding his hand.
As Ron only had the brain biopsy August 29, it is hard to believe where we are now. We are in God's hands and ask for your continued prayers to help us get through this.
With much gratitude and affection,
Janet
Sent from my iPad