Hospice, Part II

Again, I'd like to first say how much we appreciate the generosity of the community. We now have more than enough great food to last for a while. Thank you so much.

Many people we talked to mentioned wishing they had started hospice sooner than they did. With that advice, we signed up with By the Bay (they have a connection with UCSF) ASAP:

-Suzanne, a nurse came late morning with the papers to sign and introduce us to their care.

-A hospital bed and bedside commode were delivered in the afternoon.

-Meds arrived early evening.

Dylan and I rearranged the furniture (twice) to accommodate the hospital bed in the living room. Susan had been sleeping on a couch, and the bed is a great improvement (as to be expected). Hospice takes over everything quickly and efficiently. For example, we had been waiting on a hospital bed since Susan was discharged (hence, the couch sleeping) as opposed to the hospice bed that arrived same-day. There was initially some miscommunication so we were a bit wary of Suzanne's arrival, but she was the warmest most empathetic person for such a heartbreaking job. A nurse will come once or twice a week, but immediately when called on.

The morphine has definitely helped with the shortness of breath, but her status is still up and down. She will start dex tomorrow morning. Let's see if that helps...

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