Hi all--posting this from the Hospice IN-Patient facility in Arlington. Jim came here Wednesday night so that the Hospice team could tailor his meds to prevent anxiety while still giving him a good night's sleep. It turns out to be more difficult than anticipated as he is either "zonked" or anxious and restless. But they're working on it. He was extremely restless last night until 4 am when they gave him a Nembutal and then he slept til noon, woke up ravenous, ate a huge lunch and after a bath and massage he's snoring away again. It's 3:40 pm now and he's been napping since 1:30 pm. Seems to be a feast or famine situation!
Our kids and grandkids and Pat, Rick, Susan and John were all here Friday night to sing happy bithday and have cake and ice cream in the Hospice Family room. Jim just loved it, but tired after about 45 minutes. Results of his spinal tap at NIH showed no lymphoma cells in the spinal fluid so the treatment they had recommended wouldn't work for his anxiety. They'll have to control it with drugs. Most doctors agree that the anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia were caused by the toxic effects of the Chemo. Keep praying for his peace of mind. Thanks. Barbara
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To top off the big lunch, don't forget there's b-day cake in the fridge there and ice cream in the freezer.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you all in my thoughts and prayers! Please give Jim my belated birthday wishes!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jodi Maher
Dear Barbara and Jim,
ReplyDeleteMuch love to both of you! Jim, sounds like some long needed sleep has come your way. Hooray! And some good rest seems to bring on the appetite. That also is a good thing! We pray every day that you will have peace and comfort! And we hope that you will feel rested and be able to spend time with the " gang " on Christmas!
Sending much love, hugs, kisses and prayers,
Jeanne, Frand and Alyssa
Dear Barbara and Jim,
ReplyDeleteThis is Jodie's friend Nicole and I've spent many Thanksgivings, Birthdays, Weddings and many other occasions with you all. Jodie passed along the blog so that I could keep up. I am praying for you and my mother's class of 5th graders is doing the same. Just wanted you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. You all are amazing and I'm truly honored to know you! Hang in there!
Nicole Emard & Dan Ratner
(friends of the Johnsons)
It was wonderful being with you, Barb and Jim! You are in good hands in that Hospice...such kindness, caring, and competence! It was heart-warming to see how you are loved in your neighborhood with all the "snow-helpers+ so happy to do something to help you out. YOU ARE LOVED!!! Prayers continue; all our love, Susan and John
ReplyDeleteDear Barbara, dear Jim,
ReplyDeleteCarol and Fred alerted me that the situation had become more complicated again and I'm terribly sorry to hear that. Reading the blog, I do really admire your strength and spirit and faith, which is quite humbling.
It is probably a solemn Christmas you are ging to have, but I do want to let you know that lots of thoughts, prayers and all good wishes are being thought, prayed and wished on this side of the ocean.
Lots of love to both of you!
Joachim
Dear Barbara and Jim
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of you both and praying for both of you. Jim, I was amazed that you were able to get out of the bed with the rails up. Houdini ain't got noting on you my friend.
Love you guys,
Jerry and Lynne