September was a whirlwind month for Lur (and all of us). After nearly two weeks at the Avalon rehab center, she was forced to go home (without going into all the dramatic details, the insurance company found her fit to go home and stopped paying for her rehab stay)! Randy had less than 24 hours to figure out how she would now be cared for at home 24/7! She had made little progress at Avalon and still needed assistance with pretty much everything! Hospice was called-in and supplied her with a bed and made a few adjustments to the home to ensure a safer and more pleasant stay. The relief society immediately stepped-up and organized volunteers to come every day and help administer medications and address any of her needs. It was pretty miraculous how it all came together so quickly and seamlessly!
Physically, Lur was in a very bad state at this point and we all thought the end was very near. She had made little progress since the hospital and her mouth sores and eye ulcers made it difficult for us to look at her without thinking of all the pain she must be in. She still hardly would eat or drink because it was just too painful. We met as a family and discussed many important needs and things we could do as a family. Immediate household needs were talked about. Future needs and funeral plans were discussed. It was a very emotionally-charged meeting. After we met, we all went to the house to surprise her and welcomed her home. We presented her with our recent family picture, framed and ready to hang above her new bed. It was such an emotional night for all us, seeing her so physically week and not knowing what the weeks ahead would entail.
Together, and through must fasting and prayer, Randy and Lorraine decided to stop chemotherapy. It was a very difficult decision, but simply put, the very thing she needs, she can't have. Would we rather see her die from chemo or cancer? Quality of life is what she (and all of us) want. Whatever timeframe that is...
Looking back now, it was a blessing in disguise she was forced home. Chemo was stopped and has left her body. Everyday she's gaining more strength, eating more, and become more herself again! Her mouth sores are nearly healed and her eye ulcers are gone. She just looks and sounds so much better! It's been so wonderful to see her that way. It's been too long. Home truly has been healing for her.
She is still on Hospice and has volunteers come into the home twice a day. As a family, we fill-in the cracks and help a lot on the weekends. She still needs assistance getting in/out of the bed or couch, restroom, bathing, etc. Her poor body still does not have the strength to do it on its own. So we just pray she will get stronger and enjoy her time at home.
As a family, we have been OVERWHELMED will the outpouring of love, service, visits, prayers, and kind gestures for our family. How can we possibly thank everyone? Just know our family appreciates everything everyone is doing for our family. We feel it. We need it. Prayers are what are keeping us going. We truly are buoyed up and strengthend through everyone's faith. So thank you!
-Katie
