Here is the latest update

Hi everyone - Kev here again.  I apologize that this is a little late but things have been a little hectic around here lately. 

Patti’s phone has been filling up with texts and voice mails, but she hasn’t been able to get to them, and I don’t have a lot of her contacts from the phone or e-mail, so please forward this as needed, and ask people to reply to me (Kevin.Murphy@cgmllc.net) so I can get an e-mail list going.  I’ll update the blog too but I don’t know how well it is being read.

Unfortunately, the news is not great.

In the last couple of weeks her condition has not improved.  She started the latest round of chemo a week ago.  The doctor examined her on Monday and decided to stop the chemo – it was just too much for her. At the moment, she can’t get around without assistance, and someone needs to be with her at all times so she doesn’t fall.

The doctor and I agreed that a hospice approach was the best way to go for now, and we will see how she does.  Hospice care is when a team of people, nurses and caregivers, come to the house and help her with comfort and pain issues so she feels better.  We started hospice on Tuesday.

Ideally, she would regain her strength and begin another round of chemo, but if that doesn’t happen, the hospice group will help us care for her.  We are working with a hospice group that is associated with Georgia Cancer Specialists called Long Leaf hospice.   We are still working out the details but we will probably have someone come in in the morning and also at night and to assist her in getting ready in the morning.  She will be able to stay in the house, which is good.   In the last few days she is a little better – her appetite is coming along – and the longer she is off the chemo the better she should feel.

The girls came over and we all talked with Patti and introduced her to the hospice nurse.  I talked with Krissy and she has some time off and will be coming home for Easter for a few extra days which we are all looking forward to. 

Sorry it’s not great, but that’s it for now.  I will fill you in on further details and let you know when she is up and around.

Thanks for continuing to keep us all in your prayers.