Well, Rich finally came home from the hospital today. The doctors and nurses have come up with a medley of meds that we hope will keep his pain at a more tolerable so he can be more comfortable at home. Over that last couple of days, they started to wean him off the IV meds including his morphine PCA (he could press a button and get a shot or morphine when he wanted- no worries, there was an auto cap on the amount he could dispense to himself). So now at home, he will have mostly oral meds.
We had a mini bedroom makeover while Rich was away. A makeover, you say? Yes, that's right. A BIG THANKS to the Chung and the Barbash/Burton families who moved furniture around, including lugging our elliptical machine to the garage, in preparation for Rich's homecoming. We now have a part master bedroom/part hospital room. Everything is still coordinated in Rich's favorite color, blue. He is in a hospital bed which will be more comfortable for him and make it easier for those of us caring for him. Just like in the hospital, he has a roommate-- hopefully he'll like me a lot more ;)
Today also marked our first appointment with Hospice by the Bay. A nurse came to admit Rich and start his hospice care. Thanks to everyone who sent us emails, cards and thoughts. They are always a big boost to Rich.
21 comments:
Dear Rich and Michelle,
We are glad to hear you are home in familiar surroundings with your most-loved. We are heartbroken with you. I am sending some swing-dancing photos that I hope might spur some positive memories of happier times.
Love
Nancy and Adam
Very happy to hear that your family is together back at home. You are in our thoughts and prayers. BTW, Claire is going to send a little something your way (something Lucy would likely appreciate most).
-Teri (CLX) & family
We're glad Rich is home and the family is together. Kathleen and I are always hoping for the best.
Dave & Kathleen
Very happy to hear that your family is together back at home, in familiar surroundings. You are in our thoughts and prayers, always.
Chris and Cathy Martin
Welcome home Rich. We are so happy you are home with Michelle and Lucy. We are sending our prayers to you.
Brandon and Stephanie
Rich, Michelle and Lucy,
We continue to keep you all in our prayers and hope that Rich is able to find some relief from pain with hospice care.
Much love,
Mark & Michelle Walker
Hi Michelle and Rich, We are thinking about you every day. We are so glad you are back home again with the family. We know you will find comfort in their presence. We are thankful that the new medications and hospice care are bringing you some relief. Loving thoughts are sent your way. Sonya, Tony, Brendan and Derek
So happy to hear you are back home! Sending lots of positive thoughts your way... ~ laurie and john
Rich, I'm glad you're home and hope being there with Lucy and Michelle energizes you.
I am thinking about fun moments like enjoying Haas nightlife, working with Kevin on Hotpaper, and your wonderful outdoor wedding. Robin, Zack, Jamie, and I are praying you are comfortable.
Adam Leader
Rich,
So happy to hear that you are home. There is so much "grapevine" activity going on that you probably have not even had visibilty to from your blog or other emails (from Tokyo to Phoenix to Boston to Chicago to SF to Portland, etc). So many people are inquiring about you and wanting to know how they can show their love/support for you and your family. I clearly am not alone in thinking that you are one of the most likeable, personable, positive, fun-loving, selfless friends about whom we are all deeply concerned. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Baum
Michelle, Rich and Lucy
We are happy to hear you're all together as a family at home and we hope the hospice care brings relief and comfort. We continue to keep you in our prayers and are so appreciative of the updates that let us know how you're all doing.
Regards
Tiffany,Matt, Lauren and Mason
Rich - glad to hear you are home with your family. We are thinking about you all.
Love, Phil, Mindy, Will and Scott
Welcome home Rich! All the best to you and the fam.
-Dave Wilusz
Glad to hear you are back home with your family. Sending positive thoughts your way, as always.
May
You're a stronger person than I MLR. Thinking about you! -TRoe
Dear Rich,
Edward and I are thinking about you as we visit family near Boston, not too far from your old stomping grounds.
I know you may not be up for visitors, but if you are, Ella and I would love to drop in next Thursday when we are back home.
Many loving thoughts to you, Michelle and Lucy,
Milinda
(on behalf of Edward, Maggie and Ella, too)
Dearest Michelle and Richard:
We wish you nothing but the best. We are glad to hear you are home together as a family. Needless to say, we are hoping for the best.
Much love,
Linda & Tom Tierney
Rich, Michelle, Lucy
Audrey and I are thinking of you daily and are just heartbroken. I'm so thankful that we got to spend a couple hours together last fall. Rich, you have amazed and inspired us all with you humor and optimism over the past two years. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers.
Love,
Eric & Audrey
I know your mom and sister, Rich, and have been following your blog for quite a while, cheering for you all the while in this difficult journey of yours. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Jean Chisser, Massachusetts
Rich,
I am glad to hear that you are home and in comfortable surroundings. Your positivity has been such an inspiration.
Love,
Shelley
There are many people who love you and many prayers being said. I type and retype, but unable to express my thoughts adequately. Very grateful your parents are able to be there with you;, as I am sure Michelle and Lucy are as well.
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