Well, as many of you know my wife, children, and dogs are currently in upstate South Carolina. In late Jan. of this year, Kelly was told by her dad (Donald) that he only had 6 months left to live because of the advanced nature of his liver condition. At that point, we planned for her to travel down to South Carolina while I was involved in the plant shutdown so she could either help him w/ getting on the transplant list or get his affairs in order.
Since the day of getting the shocking news of the expected time line for Kelly’s dad, we have routinely received conflicting reports on his current condition. One day we are told if we can get him a little better we would be able to get him on the transplant list. The next day, we are being told it really doesn’t look like a transplant is an option. Imagine this happening every other week for 2 months. Frustrating to say the least.
Most recently we were told if we could get his kidneys back up to operating where they should we would get him on the list and in the mean time have him in an assisted living facility until he can get back on his feet. No problem. That sounds very encouraging. Yesterday, however, we find out assisted living is probably not the path we should take as they couldn’t help him in the manner he needs. We should look at hospice. So, in the span of 48 hrs we go from ”well on our way” to bringing in hospice. What is the deal? When the admitting nurse from hospice looked at Donald’s chart, she didn’t think he even had 6 months. It was her belief that if he entered hospice he would not leave. So, you are beginning to understand our frustration.
I wish we could get more of a concrete answer. Do the doctors REALLY think there is a good chance for a transplant or are they just offering lip service to the family? I would appreciate a straight forward no nonsense answer more than getting false info only provided to keep our spirits up. Kelly and her aunt are meeting with the hospice nurse as I type this and are going to ask very pointed questions in an attempt to get a more accurate view of where we currently are with Donald’s condition. Updates will be provided later.
Through all of this, I would ask that each of you keep Kelly in your prayers. She, no doubt, is going through a very stressful and tiring situation (both physically and emotionally). Should things not work out as we would hope them to, we have a ton of decisions to make that neither of us have ever had to make…nor do we want to make them. God has shown his grace and mercy to us by providing a large support network for her down there in my family, her aunt, and the large group of friends she has down there who have all helped in either watching the girls, being a sounding board for her, providing council during difficult decisions, or a bit of all the above. Likewise, He has proven Himself a loving God in taking me off her list of concerns. I know she is well aware I am being well taken care of by my church family (looking forward to the Flying Weenie, Jeff), and that relieves a huge burden from her shoulders. Thank you to each of you. You probably don’t know how much you have, are, and will encourage us, and as always your prayers are appreciated.
