Jan and Ana

Jan and Ana Visit During Hospice

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Home for Hospice

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes, 53 seconds

Jan Runs Out of Options

“Your mom was very frustrated today,” I told Jon as we set the table for dinner after I visited with his mom on Monday. “I had hoped she would have been as vibrant as she was when I saw her in the ICU on Saturday after the emergency stent surgery. I remain optimistic and want to focus on getting her home and keeping her here.”

Jon looked pensive as he queried me, “What can we do?”

“Well, from what I had seen when she was home, she was weak, and I could not always help her. We may need to look into rehab or more intensive physical therapy at home.”

While we ate dinner, we left those suggestions on the sideboard. They were thoughts that might be easier to discuss on a full stomach. 

We were sitting on the couch after cleaning the dinner dishes. 

“Those are the only options I can see,” said Jon. 

“We should talk to both of the oncologists. They might have ideas.”

Can you reach out to them to set up a call so Mike and I can discuss the next steps?

“Yes, I will text Dr. Strair in the morning and schedule a call.”

“Is the physical therapist downstairs the one Mom used?”

I said yes. “I will reach out to Karyn in the morning.”

Next Steps Planning

“Jon, let’s see if we can chat with Karyn for a few minutes before getting Mom her milkshake.” I pulled my mask up and stepped into the office of Keating Physical Therapy. As soon as she saw me, Karyn came over to me.

“Do you have a minute to chat with my two sons about the next steps for Jan?”

“Yes, how is she?”

As we walked outside, I gave her a quick update on Jan’s recent hospitalization and surgery. 

After introducing my sons, Jon asked, “We are trying to make the best plans for Mom’s return home. Is there a time we could talk to you about rehab or more physical therapy?

Yes, I would be happy to help with discharge plans,” said Karyn. Your Mom is wonderful, and I would be happy to do what I can to help.

Thanks; let us know the best time for you.

We stopped to get Jan a chocolate milkshake, and the mood was upbeat and optimistic. 

While they prepared the shake, I texted Dr. Strair. 

Both of our sons are in NJ this week. They are concerned, and if it is OK, they might appreciate a brief call to understand the next steps better.

April 6, 2021, 10:13 am

Dr. Strair responded and said we could talk this evening. 

“I will be at Mike’s for dinner,” said Jon.

I nodded as I got into the car and drove to visit Jan. 

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The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.

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