Monday, June 8, 2009

Status Quo

Another day... I am a little overtired, which generally is not good for anyone involved. Although I have been able to go bed relatively early, keeping watch of Bill during the night is similar to having a newborn baby, minus the elation and joy. He grunts, talks, and twitches in his sleep which tends to wake me, and I struggle to get back to sleep.

The challenging part is that he tries to get up and walk around (or maybe he's trying to leave - we aren't really sure). Catching him sounds like an easy enough task... how fast can he be?? Honestly, he's amazingly quick. He sets his mind to it, and next thing I know, he's racing down the hall. We are focusing on the safety issue right now and making sure that we stay one step ahead of him... literally.

Hospice continues to be supportive. They came out again today after I called to inquire about getting his prescription changed that will help him to rest more comfortably and take away some of the twitching that constantly wakes him. Another nurse is scheduled to come out tomorrow to make sure we have everything we need. I can't say it enough, hospice is our savior!

5 comments:

NL said...

This post is to honor and thank Bill.

Nearly one year ago, Bill courageously agreed to participate in a trial of previously uncharted treatments for melanoma. He is the first and only person in this trial within the United States and, I would venture to say, the world. Bill is both an explorer and a pioneer. He ventured into the unnavigated and the unknown, a forerunner in unclaimed territory. Bill was alone in this trial; he had no one to turn to for advice and comfort with the exact same experience.

Bill is a hero. His unselfishness, his willingness to go the distance, to take the hits, and yes, to suffer, has taken us one stop closer to an effective treatment for advanced melanoma. Bill has provided those diligent physicians and those performing medical research an abundance of data and experiences which they will use to create the most effective treatments possible for this horrific cancer.

Bill did this with grace, courage, and the unwavering support of countless family members and friends. As he has said, without this steadfast support he could not have endured this difficult trial.

Ultimately, though, Bill took this voyage alone. He alone took the risk and suffered the greatest all the while knowing that there would be a time he would have to let go. We can only imagine the torture he experienced every day. Let us always remember his heroism and forever be thankful for Bill.

Tamie said...

Wow, Nancy! I think you have eloquently put into words what all of us think but can't often express. Bill is a hero and he has left an indelible mark on all of our hearts.

Thank you, Bill.

Becky at lifeoutoffocus said...

jackie i'm so sorry i haven't been here in so long. i'm continuing to pray for yall. ((HUGS))

Gene and Susie said...

Jackie - you, too, are a pillar of strength. Don't sell yourself short. While your suffering may not be as physically great as Bill's, you have suffered every stop of the way with him, with dignity and courage. I just read a quote that said, "You can't sit around and wait for the storm to be over. You've got to learn how to dance in the rain." You have danced beautifully and my admiration for you has increased. Your blog updates have made it easier for Bill's family - they don;t have to continually repeat Bill's progress or digression. We love them dearly and seeing them suffer has been more than difficult for us. If not for faith in God, where would we be? Our love to ou all.

Anonymous said...

Wow NL what a great honoring of Bill! and so true! Jackie, I know I have said before, but can never say enough what a strong, wonderful, and inspriring person you are! Not too many people could take on all that you have and make it through, I have so much respect and honor for you and am so glad that Bill and you found eachother, because I know that you both love eachother more than anything and I am happy that Bill has had a chance to experience that in his life!! All of our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time, we love you all so very much! My heart is hurting for you also right now for having to experience this pain. God bless you, Bill, and Tyler!

Julie and Lenny