Tonight's picture was taken in December of 2007. Mattie was five years old and it was the last "normal" Christmas we had together. It is hard to believe that a year later, Mattie was diagnosed with cancer. That evening we took Mattie down to the National Mall to see the Nation's Christmas tree. It was a family tradition, and I am so glad we made the time to do these things and to take plenty of photos.
Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins.
- Number of people diagnosed with the virus: 22,612,384
- Number of people who died from the virus: 376,051
It was another crazy day in "paradise." My mom and my dad had doctor appointments today. Two different doctors, at the same time. So I dropped my mom off at the doctor and then drove my dad and the caregiver to his doctor appointment. Fortunately my mom's doctor isn't far away from her home, so she could walk back to the house once she was done.
While waiting for the doctor to come in to examine my dad, my dad's caregiver asked me in front of him whether he has a DNR ("Do Not Resuscitate"). HONESTLY!!! I can't think of a more insensitive and out of touch question and conversation! This is the same caregiver who had me cleaning the inside of trash cans and cleaning windows! I feel it it important to put her personality into context. Because at times you just want to throttle her. In any case, because she was persistent, I said NO my dad doesn't have a DNR! However, I am my dad's medical power of attorney and therefore know his wishes and can execute on them. She did not like this answer and kept at me about a DNR. It got worse, she then proceeded to tell me what a DNR is!
That I did not crown her on the head right then and there was a feat. Peter and I absolutely know what a DNR is, as Peter had to complete one for Mattie. So YES I KNOW WHAT A DNR is!!! Clearly my dad was listening to all of this, and I sensed his anxiety. Therefore, I said my dad is in a much better place physically and the need for a DNR is NOT needed.
But specifically my dad's medical power of attorney documents his "choice not to prolong life"............................
I do not want my life to be prolonged if (1) I have an incurable and irreversible condition that will result in my death within a relatively short time, (2) I become unconscious and, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, I will not regain conscious (3) the likely risks and burdens of treatment would outweigh the expected benefits
After the doctor's appointment, I dropped my dad and his caregiver back home and I went to the grocery store. I always feel like I am playing beat the clock and the caregiver leaves at noon, and anything outside the house has to be done before that point. Not easy, as we are involved in cognitive brain games and PT exercises altogether.
On top of everything else, I also balanced a visit from an electrician to address the installation of security motion sensor lights and the exterminator to address the rat issue outside. Cooked another big meal, served it, cleaned it up and managed my dad's bathroom issues from irritable bowel syndrome. When I tell you I never sit still I am not kidding. There is no peace and day in and day out of this produces a very bad quality of life for me and my mom.
No comments:
Post a Comment