Carolyn doesn't respond to my texts, calls or messages. I've been getting this feedback from a lot of you. Please keep in mind that you aren't the only one not hearing from her - she is getting calls, texts and facebook messages from everyone frequently throughout the day looking for a status check or to just say they are thinking of her. And she responds to almost none of them. If she were to respond to all of the texts and calls she is getting, she would be doing nothing else all day! So please don't be offended if you texted her and didn't receive a text back. What she has most appreciated lately are cards from people! If you want to send her a card - please message me for my address. They really brighten her day - and THANK YOU to everyone who has sent a card or flowers. They remind her that people love and are thinking about her.
But how am I supposed to know how she is doing? I know that this is a stressful time for everyone because you dont know what is going on and you want to make sure you haven't missed anything. I know because I've received a LOT of questions from people. If something significant changes in Carolyn's health I promise that I will either update via this blog or on facebook.
Ok great. But how is she doing?? Ok now that I've got the above points out there - I'll explain how she is doing. :) She is honestly doing much the same as usual. Nothing significant has changed which is why you haven't received any updates from me. Everything about her decline in health has been SUPER gradual. And hospice continues to confirm with me that in her case, she will decline gradually. At this point, she sleeps a little more as each week progresses and gets a little bit more yellow in the skin tone and in her eyes because of jaundice. It's so gradual that I have a hard time even seeing the changes. She is able to still walk on her own but can only walk short distances and can't stand for very long. She can walk up and down the stairs by herself and can get herself something to eat as long as it is pre-prepared in the fridge.
Here is a great article (the "controlling symptoms" portion) that explains all of the symptoms she is currently experiencing.
How much time does she have left? It's hard to say. The doctor told her that she has been a miracle all along and that she shouldn't still be here. He refused to tell her how long he thinks she has. Now ... back in December he told her that once you start to jaundice you have anywhere between 6-10 weeks left to live. Next week marks the 10 weeks since he had said that ... and I can tell you she does NOT have only one week left. In fact, Hospice today told us that she doesnt understand why our doctor told us only 6-10 weeks ... that people can live longer with jaundice. She thinks Mom has another month or two to go. But nobody can really say.
What can I do to help? As I mentioned above, sending cards lifts here spirits. As she starts to go down-hill more there might be other needs. But right now that is about it!
Thank you for being you! BIG thank you to Uncle Ron and Aunt Kathy for dropping off some food and to my friend Katelyn for dropping off some as well! A BIG thank you to Mary Ryan and Tom and Amy Flynn for sending flowers. A BIG thank you to everyone who has sent cards (so many to name). A BIG thank you to Aunt Kathy, Debra and all the other angels who are helping Carolyn with a special project to give to Melissa and I. A BIG thank you to Uncle Leon for creating an amazing slideshow of Carolyn! I'm hoping to upload it to youtube so that you all can see it!
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