Home for Hospice
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes, 53 secondsVisiting Jan
Dr. Saksena, it’s so nice to see you,” I said as I stood by Jan’s bed, holding her hand. We had been waiting for the doctor as we both had many questions.
Jan’s smile was one of the weakest I had ever seen.
“I am sorry you are back in the hospital, but the stent has made a difference,” she said. “How are you feeling today?”
Jan shook her head up, down, and sideways.
I am OK, just very tired of being in the hospital and worried about the lymphoma returning.
“We are in touch with Dr. Strair and his team and constantly monitor it.”
“How aggressive is it?”
“It’s not where we would like it to be, but we are looking at various treatment options.”
She asked Jan a few more questions before leaving.
“Thanks, Dr. Saksena!”
I kissed Jan and reminded her how much I loved her.
“We will find a way to get thru this, my dear!”
“The lymphoma is active again; how can you be so positive?”
“Because we have an excellent medical team and….”
She napped for a few minutes, and I texted Dr. Strair.
Dr. Strair, how are you? I am at the hospital with Jan. Dr. Saksena stopped by and spoke about how aggressive the lymphoma is. Jan asked if she would survive. Saksena was realistic in her response.
Do you know when we can speak tonight? The sooner I know, the easier it will be to connect my sons to the call.
Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 6:26 pm
He responded quickly.
How is 7:30?
Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 6:32 pm
I agreed and texted Jon and Mike.
After almost 48 years, I recently lost my wife, Jan Lilien. Like The Little Prince, Jan and I believed that “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” This blog is a collection of my random thoughts on love, grief, life, and all things considered.