The nursing home stay is going well for Dad.
The nursing home rehab is estimating that Dad will be able to come home in October. He has already greatly improved.
Dad decided he cannot take chemotherapy anymore.
The doctor is estimating that Dad has less than 7 months to live, perhaps 6, perhaps less.
Mom, Dad and I all seem to be taking it well, in large part because we have been halfway expecting this for a while.
Dad is doing very well at the nursing home, physically improving. It hurts to say it, but Doctor made the right choice putting him there. Even though it delayed and stopped his chemotherapy, he is getting the care he needs in other ways that Mom and I were not able to give him while he was living at home. The nursing home thinks he may be ready to transfer either to assisted living or perhaps even back home in early October. They repeatedly told me that was tentative, and could change multiple times, but it is nevertheless encouraging to hear. Mom and I had feared the progressing cancer would keep him in the nursing home and away from chemotherapy until his death. The nursing home is already trying to set up a home evaluation so they can see what needs done so Dad can come home early October.
Dad sounded willing, when talking to the nursing home staff, to consider assisted living, if Mom moves with him. However, once I told him the price, he seemed to view it as a last resort.
Mom sounds resistant to leaving home, while saying living alone at home is lonely. She thinks Dad is more attached to home than she is.
Mom does not like being home alone, nor not driving. However, the new hired helper, Linda, who has been driving her, has worked out wonderfully. Mom really appreciates Linda, and seems to not mind waiting for her to drive her. Every weekday from about noon to 4:00 PM, Mom is able to go to visit with Dad. I praise God that Linda and Mom seem to get along well, and pray it continues.
Dad's decision about chemotherapy is due to the pain and discomfort of it, and his inability to finish cycles of it, or barely finish cycles. He is firmly convinced.
Doctor seemed to understand and agree with the decision. He will still meet with Dad monthly to monitor, help with any side issues, and keep an eye on the cancer. Doctor reported that Dad's blood numbers were quite good today.
In the Doctor's estimate, Dad has 6 months to live, max. Of course, Doctors can only make the best estimates they can, and have limited knowledge and insight.
Jodi and I took Dad home to visit Mom briefly, as well as pick up some more clothes. She was very glad to have Dad home, even though it was just for a visit. Mom took the news of the estimate sadly, but not too deeply. Dad was very apologetic to Mom that his body could not take the chemotherapy. It seemed like both of them would have a good cry tonight, but then continue on the best they can.
It did me good to see Mom and Dad both happy during part of Dad's visit at the house today. May God give Mom some more pleasant memories that stick firmly.
Thanks for the help and support already given from so many, and please pray that my parents will continue to manage well for the months ahead.
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