He will have no fear of bad news, his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:7

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Craig's condition

Craig continues to decline. Even in the last 24-48 hours he has change drastically. He is so very thin and at times very confused. We are keeping up with pain meds around the clock. Hospice was here yesterday and said we were down to days. It could be seven or it could be just two or three. He is still eating a little each mealtime but is so extremely tired. His legs and arms have zero muscle tone and it makes it difficult to walk without assistance or even lift a water bottle to his mouth to take the pills.
We are talking about accessing his port to administer the pain meds so that we don't have to be up around the clock. At first he didn't seem pleased with this option but I think as time goes on the idea of not being woken up every two hours is appealing. I told him it would give him more freedom to be awake when he wants (which isn't often) and be asleep when he wants, he seemed to agree so we will probably make that change tomorrow.

We have short conversation through the day but most don't make a lot of sense. The only conversations that make sense are about basketball and he was worried about making sure some financially things were taken care of (which are). He tried to talk with the girls two days ago while he was outside for a couple minutes as well. How thin he is really startled Morgan. She just stopped in her tracks walking up the driveway. It was so sad. It is really hard for them to see their dad this way. The sunshine has been a HUGE blessing b/c they can get outside and play and wear themselves down and fall asleep quickly at night. I took Emily and Morgan to see Mary Poppins at the KY Center Tuesday night. It was good for them to have something to look forward to and they loved the show. Actually they just loved the first half of it since we went home at intermission - it was 3 hours and started at 7:30 on a school night! yikes.

If you are texting him, he reads them but cannot reply to them.

So we are "hanging in there" as they say. We feel the prayers that are being said and we know that Craig will be a whole person again soon. We find great comfort in that alone.

20 comments:

Mary Helen Klem said...

God is walking every step of this journey with you. Jesus is at your side, and a beautiful homecoming awaits. Eye has not seen, ear has not heard... We pray for peace in your home and hearts.
-Mary Helen, Richard, Katherine Klem

Unknown said...

As I feel that I was just there, in your shoes, what you are describing sounds all to familiar and breaks my heart for you and your loved ones.

Take it a minute at a time... Some of Ed's funniest moments were in the last two or three days he was able to speak... he knew he was hallucinating sometimes, sometimes he didn't... makes for some great conversation.

You are in my heart and prayers, Always! xoxo mk

Anonymous said...

We continue to pray for you all. There are no words that we can say to help, but know that so many people care about you, Craig and the girls. We lift you up and pray for His comfort and support to surround you all. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Praying for your family. Sending every ounce of positive energy to you.

KentuckyDG17 said...

Praying for all of you. May God carry you, Craig, and the girls through this chapter.
Kristin

katie pilgram said...

Praying for peace and comfort for your whole family.

Katie Pilgram

Anonymous said...

Prayers for you,Michelle. Reading this post brought back vivid memories of my mom & her last days of living this nightmare disease. I feel like I know you by now. Not a day goes by that I am not thinking of you & your sweet family.
Much love & a great big hug from Arkansas.

Anonymous said...

Praying for Gods peace to continue to rest upon you all. You are in my family's thoughts and prayers.

Nikki said...

As always, you all are in my prayers and heart. Praying for peace and comfort as you all move through this.

Jane said...

Asking God for extra measures of peace, strength, and wisdom to cover you now in these days and hours. And praying especially for your daughters. I know God will raise up a village to care for you all. It is His way. Praying for Rest for both you and Craig. Your family has touched my heart so deeply. I can only pray God's Peace and Love over the moments to come. Leaning into Grace more than ever, Jane

sara said...

I love you all very much. Praying for continuous peace and comfort you all.

Elizabeth S. said...

Father God, Yahweh, Lord above all surely their is NOT ONE like You Abba! Thank you for Your promises that You will NEVER leave us or forsake us, that we who trust in You will leave in Your house for all time, that You watch over each of us, hear each of us, You reside within us, that Your Spirit comforts us beyond any human comprehension, & that Jesus sits beside You & pleads on our behalf moment by moment! Father, envelope these dear dear children of Your's & meet them in their individual & collective needs. Shower them with Your new mercies every morning & go behind & ahead of them as they walk the steps You have ordained for them! Father, from our limited perspective we rarely understand Your ways, but if You want us to go through the valley (even though we do not understand) we will go because of Your love for us that took upon the ultimate suffering that we should have been poured out on us! Thank you Abba that we shall fear NO evil for You are with us & Your rod & Your staff comforts & protects us.

Anonymous said...

Of COURSE he's continuing to talk about basketball!!!

Keeping you all so close to my heart and hoping you find comfort in the love, support, and prayers from the people around you.

Keep the faith, Michelle. Know you are so loved and thought of literally all the time.

Jenny Graff

Anonymous said...

Praying with and for you everyday....
The incredible amount of toughness and courage you have shown...is an inspiration to us.
With love,
Joe S. & Amanda K.

Anonymous said...

Am praying for you and your family every day. Praying for peace, comfort and serenty in your home.

Elizabeth C. said...

Continuing to pray for you and your family!
Elizabeth C.

Anonymous said...

All of you are constantly in my heart and mind. I continue to pray for strength and peace. Michelle if you need to talk please call....even if it is late for you remember I am three hours earlier:) Love you all and miss you so much!!

Emily Strange said...

Praying for peace and comfort for all of you. You're in our thoughts. So many of us think of you daily.

Rick Blair said...

I cannot believe that we have reached this point in Craig's cancer. Our prayers are with each of you that all will have the power of Our Lord in your as Craig finishes his race. May God hold each of you close to Him.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you, Craig and the girls. If you need anything let me know! ITB, ayrynpage@yahoo.com