Working on Pain Relief

I just wanted to give everyone a quick update on Joe's pain issues.  He did get some relief at the cancer center on Thursday; however, it was short lived.  We got him home and had several folks visit us to help with the pain issues.  We spent hours learning how critical pain control is and how important it is to prevent it, instead of trying to play catch up and stop it.  They actually said that the level of pain that Joe has could kill him before the cancer does, if we don't get it under control.  For that reason, they recommended that we sign up for Hospice of the Valley.  They specialize in pain control and quality of life.  Joe could not sign fast enough.  For those of you not familiar with Hospice, in addition to pain control, they help you and your family physically, mentally and spiritually through the end of life journey.  They don't take patients trying to fight the disease through surgeries, chemo...  They did say if the surgeon agrees to take Joe's case, we simply sign a release and we head to San Diego.  Very simple process.  So with that, it was an easy decision to get as much help as possible to manage Joe's pain and our mental state, while we wait for news from San Diego. Timing was good, because Joe had a relapse Saturday.  He was so excited for our granddaughter's 2nd birthday and made sure we did everything to get him there.  We stayed on top of the new medications, he took a long nap before the party with fluids and we went to the park.  It was perfect seeing friends and family and all the kids running around, laughing and just having a great day.  He made it for awhile and then the pain hit.  We got him home and he just went down hill from there.  I called Hospice and they came out and basically said he has to be in 24 hour care at a Hospice Center to get this under control.  We checked in last night and they suspect we will be here for several days.  They track and monitor the drugs and pain and will release him when they find that balance of pain/medications and alertness/quality of life.  It's a fine balance to get Joe alert with minimum pain when he is awake vs. medicated and rested to get through the pain.  I will say that this organization is absolutely amazing.  Joe said it's like staying at a bed and breakfast (even though he can't eat).  They treat you like royalty, with so much care and compassion.  It's so much better than having him in a hospital.  I will update the blog at the end of the week to let you know if our miracle comes through and we are headed to San Diego or if we accept our fate and head another direction.  Either way, we are comforted knowing God is watching over us, protecting us, guiding us and sending all of you to help us.  We are truly blessed.

With all our love,
The Kahlers