What exactly is Palliative Care? We’re learning. For us, we are just beginning the journey into Palliative Care. This program is different from hospice, because it provides care for those with chronic disease – those who have untreatable Cancer – those who have multiple health issues. It also provides support for family members. It is not a death sentence – for no one can determine the length of our days except for God Himself. We have decided to proceed with this next step. Paul has Cancer. His other health issues include a faulty heart valve with stenosis, he’s had two minor strokes, he has an aneurysm and an implanted catheter in his bladder. Last year alone he spent time in the hospital almost every month. I could go into more detail with some of the minor issues, but I think you get the point. Generally, you wouldn’t think there’s anything wrong with him. He looks great. His numbers are all close to normal. He continues to have a wonderfully creative mind, that won’t stop producing art or devising ideas for invention. He loves to tell his stories to whomever will listen to them. His almost 82 years have been filled with adventure, innovation, excitement, discouragement, rebuilding, restoration, faith, love, family and all the things that make life worth living.
Death is in the future for all of us. We don’t like to think about it, but it looms over us like a swinging pendulum, just waiting for that final swing. When you know that your days are numbered, but you still don’t know how many you have left, you try to squeeze every last drop of living into the final days. However, you don’t always feel up to par. You’re tired, you have pain in various places, you feel discouraged. You don’t have enough pep to get out of bed. When you have faith that God has another life waiting for you after death, you almost can’t wait to get there. So why do we go through the pain of living? Perhaps our lessons learned can help someone else get through their journey. Maybe someone else’s situation can help us through ours.
Palliative care is not the end of life. It simply makes life a little easier for those who would rather not be hospitalized for each symptom that might occur. There is no limit on the time you can take advantage of this program. There is medical care available 24/7. You can receive counseling, help with simple tasks and many other things to make your life a little easier.
We’re not giving up. We continue to pray for God’s will to be done. If it’s time for Paul to be in heaven, God will determine that. If there is a cure, God can provide that as well. Our prayers have power. We will not discount God’s intervention in life or death. We still believe in miracles, because they continue to happen when we least expect them.
atimetoshare.me 
The last time my wife went into the hospital, the same hospital we were in for most of the week prior – so they already had all this information – the nurse was asking my wife if she had disease “A”, disease “B”. My wife, who having worked years and years in hospitals, changed her tone for the first time in seventy plus years. “To save you a lot of time, just put down that I have everything except cancer!” Even though she had little time left, she focused on how God had blessed her in not having that one more malady. My prayers continue for you and Paul.
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Thanks my dear friend ❤️
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The Lord be with you both ❤️ ~
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Praying for you and Paul.
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Thanks Don. Your prayers are aprrciated
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Praying for you two, always. But I am also praying that you have some good quality palliative care available in your area. I have a couple of daughters here who make sure people are supported, loved, and given all the resources they might need, and resources for their spouses and caregivers, too.
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Thank you IB. I know the role of caregiving is extremely difficult at times, but these angels of mercy seem to sense the necessity of it. Thank your daughters for the work they do.
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Mama K, there’s not a morning that I don’t pray. I love you and Paul very much. You have been an inspiration to me since I’ve known you. When I received the news that I was in palliative care,…I’m “inoperable” someone told me that we are all in palliative care. I had to think about that for a while. Specifically, you and Paul deserve to have those services that are so needed at this stage. You know and fully depend on God. Your faith helps me faith. Yesterday I had a new MRI and last night, my nurse had already sent it to Dr. Hernandez’ nurse at the National Cancer Institute. If it wasn’t for God, this middle aged gal in MO , with this rare cancer, would not have ended up on HIS desk. The largest tumors have shrunk, there was activity now going on in the pancreas head and duct, the surgery, scheduled for Oct. 31st, came RIGHT ON TIME—GOD’S TIME. Your prayers and encouragement are part of the strength that kept my dreams large—I didn’t limit my own brain, my hometown, or the sq footage of my home to limit what God could do. It’s a miracle. I wanted to share more on email and I apologize it’s here. But I’ve been overwhelmed communicating with family and friends. My palliative care has been good. And now, God has worked a miracle. Each morning, when I pray for you both, I think of your day to day. What you all might be doing. Or how Paul is feeling that day that might limit it. I wish I was closer as I’d love to sit and hear his stories and watch him work his art magic. My own family has a mixture of fear and excitement as it was shared in a 45 minute call how big this surgery is going to be. I told her I have a BIG GOD!!! The surgeon will Telehealth with me in the next two weeks. Please give Paul my love as well. I’m hugging you both, gently, and sending prayers as we all know this part of our journey is leading to a glory unknown to man; where there is no pain, no tears, and if I don’t meet you on this side of heaven, I’m still going to meet you in glory. 💕🙏 Much love, Mama K
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Thanks for these wonderful thoughts. I’m so happy to hear the good news and will continue to pray that those nasty tumors go on shrinking. Your hugs are felt and returned two-fold, from both of us. We are at peace with our decision to go without treatment and trying to live the rest of our journey together trying to focus on the good things. I know that God continues to do miracles as shown by your good news. Our prayers are with you each day. My heart rejoices when I think of how you are pushing on with courage and determination. Keep on doing so. I love you and so does Paul, but most importantly, so does God.
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Mama K, your prayers and love mean everything. I admire your decisions and life! What beautiful lives they are! My sons and families are so happy. I can feel your heart’s happiness and I will stay in touch with each new thing that unfolds. Much love! We serve a mighty God and I’m so thankful for his love!💕🙏🏻
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Me too❤️❤️❤️
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