Update on Dad 1/22/2009

After taking Dad to his primary care doctor yesterday, which wore us (Annie, Mom and Jenny) all out, emotionally and physically, his doctor is referring us to Hospice. He didn't give us a prognosis or even really knows much more than we do why his health is deteorating so fast. Hospice will come in and evaluate and then let us know what help we will be receiving. After six months they will reevalute the situation.  Hospice is a scary word to most people, but after research this is really the best option as we see it.  They have all different types of help and if the patient improves they may find that the patient no longer needs their care.  The Doctor did more blood work trying to find out if there is something else going on. None of us, including the doctor, want to put him in a nursing facility he just isn't at that point and we obviously want him with us, as hard as it is, that's where he needs to be. When I say "we", I am talking about our family as a whole. Kathy, Jenny, Annie and Mom do the majority of the care, with often assistance from Monty or Paul. Mom has been bearing the burden for way too long and we are worried about her, too. She is an amazingly strong woman but she isn't superhuman as we all thought! As I mentioned before, his short term memory is declining and he doesn't have a strong desire to eat, which is sooo unlike our Daddy. We know Dad has lived a full life and was always so full of life. At times when we walk in the room he has that big silly grin on his face...so glad to see us. Now, he is usually sleeping and we don't see that big smile so much anymore, like we all remember, that's pretty painful to watch. He still is full of love and as his body is failing him he tries so hard to stay as sweet as he always has been but his mind gets confused at times and he is not himself, especially lately. We like to think of him as that robust, hugging, friendly, smiling, non-judgemental, Christ-like man he always has been. We know he has touched many of your lives and we are grateful and honored to take care of our dear sweet Daddy who has ALWAYS taken care of everyone else, without complaint. We appreciate all the kind words and prayers in our behalf and welcome your thoughts of him, they are so comforting to us. Thank you again for your prayers and please feel free to visit him. My cell is 916-768-6896 or email: degrucciofamily@gmail.com. ~Jenny