As we expected, Dr Lakhani let us know that Penny is not currently healthy enough to be admitted to a clinical trial. His recommendation is that we use the next few days to explore hospice options and that Penny transition to hospice care when she is discharged from the hospital after her surgery next week.
Hospice care will focus more on comfort than on treatment and provide more things we can do at home (so fewer visits to the clinic for things like hydration). Dr Lakhani emphasized that hospice "is not a one-way street", and that if Penny gains weight and energy, it would be possible to leave hospice and investigate clinical trial options at that point. He also told us that that is not usually what happens. However things play out, since treatment is not currently an option, we agree that hospice care seem like the right next thing to do.
We've already begun contacting hospice providers, and our current plan is to meet with them in the hospital after surgery. By then we will know a bit more about the immediate needs (how recovery is going, what sort of tube gets placed, and how well it is working, etc.) and can ask questions related to those needs.
It's impossible to know just how things will go from here, so we'll just take things as they come and deal with them. Each day has enough troubles of its own, so our goal is to be reasonably prepared but not to worry too much about all the possible tomorrows.
Today's bright spot was that Penny felt a bit better than she has felt the last several days (still not "knitting better", but close). Her weight was actually up a little bit, and after hydration this morning, she requested that on the way home we pick up some take out food that sounded good to her for lunch. After lunch she chatted for a bit with a friend before transitioning to resting/sleeping most of the rest of the afternoon and evening.
We're hoping that some more distance from radiation will lead to more days that are a bit better than the day before but expect there will be ups and downs whatever the trajectory ends up being. For now, we'll just focus on the next protein shake.
Comments
Lynne deBenedette: Love and strength to all, and a big hug.
Monique FECTEAU: Sending you positive vibes and love from France. You are a collective profile in courage. Keep the faith.
Laura DeHaan: Praying that the Great Physician will bring an ocean of peace and strength to all of you. Sending all my love and prayers.
Stacey Wieland: Love you, Penny! Holding you and your beloveds in prayer as you walk forward in faith. May God provide peace, strength, and hope.
Sara Vander Bie: Praying for you, Penny and Randy, and your family, too. <3
Jamie Munson: Praying her surgery goes smoothly and that she gains the strength she needs in the weeks ahead
Jim Ludema: Love you guys. ππ»ππ»ππ»
George Monsma, Jr.: praying that you feel the Lord's presence as you go through this, and guidance for the decisions you must make. Also praying that the surgery goes well, and that it and the following care enables Penny to gain more strenght.
Ellen Jeltema: Sending you all much love.
Julie VH: Praying for you and also that you can feel God's caring arms around you. Also praying for a successful surgery and some relief from pain.
Mia Hunefeld: Praying for you all. Hoping for some good days coming up.
Mary VanderMeer: May your feel God's presence and grace each hour, each day.
Marie VanderLinde : Thinking of you both, praying for comfort and strength. Grateful for that sweet, loyal puppy!
Nancy Munson: Hugs to you all and you are truly in my heart. β€οΈ
Glen Boer: Keeping you both and the family in our prayers for this up coming surgery and beyond...
Talon Rindels : Sending strength, love, and comfort. β€οΈ
Alex Vandertol: May our God give you comfort and strength as you work through this. Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patricia Boer Fischer : π PRAYIN 4Y'all BIG TIME.. Sendin Lots of Hugg's LOVE β€οΈ & PRAYERS Ur Waaaaay πβ€οΈπβ€οΈπβ€οΈπβ€οΈπβ€οΈπβ€οΈπβ€οΈ GOD BLESS LuvYa's Patricia Boer Fischer
Benita Wolters-Fredlund: Very, very sorry to hear this. Praying for peace, freedom from pain, and God's comfort.
Adejoke B Ayoola: Praying for all of you. Praying for peace and comfort. ππΎπ