The beginning of the end

So many of you who read this know what has been going on.  I do apologize greatly for not keeping the blog up to date.  In the past couple months A LOT has changed.  Starting about a month ago, dad started having some minor hallucinations.  He took his own keys away, which was great for us-so none of us had to be the bad guy.  2 weeks ago we had to call 911 for dad.  He wasn’t making to much sense and he could barely catch his breath.  When the paramedics got to the house, his oxygen level was 80%.  (normal is 90+%).  When he got there, he was really bad.  He doesn’t remember anything from the day he had gotten admitted.  Grandma, Grandpa, my brother and my nephew came up to the hospital that night as well.  Once he was looked at and calmed down, he was diagnosed with septic pneumonia (which is when the pneumonia-infection has traveled outside of the lung as well).  It was a very dramatic time at that point, we heard the words hospice, ventilator…a lot of words that scared us.  He stayed in the hospital until the following Thursday, where he received heavy antibiotics while in the hospital to help fight the pneumonia.  He is now home and the house is oxygen equipped.  We have tanks and a condenser in the house-he cannot go without it anymore.  We have a home care nurse and a physical therapist coming to the house to help dad get a little stronger.  He also started to develop a rash on his lower legs, we thought this was because of all of the antibiotics he was receiving.  Come to find out-his body is lacking nutrients.  He is not eating well and hasn’t been.  We try to make him things he likes, or make him high calorie/protein food, but he doesn’t want to eat because his ‘taste buds are out of wack.’  Its an uphill battle. He is very tired all the time and lacks energy.  He did get a CT scan done last week and we are waiting to find out the results this Thursday.  At this point we can probably say he will be entering the process of Hospice very soon.  He is getting to the point where he needs someone with him at all times.  It is very hard for him to walk or balance himself anymore.

The lodge brothers (AMAZING MEN) came over about a week ago and made a beautiful ramp in our garage!!!  Dad is able to use it to get down the garage instead of going up and down steps.  We are extremely grateful to have it!!!  It is amazing!!! 

At this point we are asking people to visit dad.  He needs all of the love and support around him as possible!!!  This battle my dad has been fighting the past year, has not been alone…and we want to continue to show him that there are many people who love and care about him.  My dad IS an amazing man!!! He has helped many people out and continues to think of others during this time. I’m sure everyone reading this right now can think of at least one (if not many more) times my dad has helped you, or stood by your side.  As scary as this can be for everyone, we need you to stand by my dad!!!  

This picture was taken in March when we were able to get the bike started for dad!!  

The Smile we all Love:-)