Palliative Care

I believe in God and I also believe His power for miracle. Some may pray for miracle that God can heal Mom so she can overcome this sickness and be well again. To me, miracle has different levels.  The doctors first said one week last Tuesday if we go Option 1 and with His grace, Mom has already beat that.  The doctors also said 24-36 hours on Monday night, with His Grace again, Mom beat that too.  These are all miracles to me - thank you God!  And that's why they transferred us to Palliative Care Unit one floor up.

Emotionally unstable, sometimes I'm not sure what to pray for but Gloria reminded me that we just need to pray for hope and peace no matter what the outcome will be.  And that's very true.  See what He wants, as doctors are still human.  They know just "a bit" more about our bodies with just "a bit" more experience (we still need you Carly, haha).  He is still in charge at all times.  Pray that our minds can always be clear and that we can focus on Him, not just on the numbers...

20121226 Wednesday - Boxing Day. Thanks to Fian and Dad, I got to spend some time with the boys at home this Christmas this morning.  Gloria insisted to wait to open the presents as a family.  I love you B!  We opened our stocking presents and the boys' ones before heading downtown with 4 Gu Jeh.

Mom's night was not bad.  Including Dad and Fian, all three of them got some rest, at least from 5am to 8am. The nurses were cleaning her while we arrived.  Gloria, the boys and my in-laws then arrived shortly after.  Mom loves her grand kids and was able to kiss them with her limited energy.  Trying to let Mom rest, they didn't stay long and left for lunch.  Thanks for having lunch on Baldwin Street, I got to join before coming back to the hospital.

When I came back, the nurses were trying to move Mom to 16th floor - Palliative Care Unit.  Yes, they put Mom on the top of the waiting list and moved another patient to a smaller room just to fit her (and us) in!  The whole floor is so much nicer with fancy wall tiles, hardwood floor, etc.  The room is also much bigger.  Dad has his own bed and they gave Fian another mattress too!  They also have two lounges with sofa, kitchen, arm chairs, computer, books, TV and even a piano. Mom is now on 16-220 and it allows flowers!!!

Mom likes all kinds of accessories and one of the "worries" she has on earth is what to do with all her "ding ling dung lung" as neither Fian or Gloria are as "ding ling dung lung" as she is.  So Dad asked us to bring her accessories down so she can wear them and be pretty.  Need to mention that Carly also promised Mom to put some nail polish for her on Christmas day.  However, with her condition, we forgot!  She actually reminded Carly the day before about it when Carly was going home!  Her mind is still very sharp and clear but her body is just very weak and is in lots of pain.  She's still strong and stubborn after all.

Grandma, Uncle Ed, Derek, Carly and Tyler were all there shortly after we settled.  Mom and Dad do have a lot for just a little more than a week of stay! Mom was resting most of the time.  Grandma's heart is so broken that her facial expression will tell you all.  We kept reminding her not to by massaging her eye brows but it didn't work very well.  Poor her, it must be hard for this 91 year old lady.  Mom was up every few minutes and we were joking like maybe Mom wanted to sleep with Dad.  Dad said no, "she wouldn't like it".  Then Mom got up with her two arms wide opened wanting Dad to join!  Mom kissed Dad once Dad got on beside her!  How sweet!

So the rest of us (Uncle Ed and Grandma left) all left to give them some one to one time and hoping that both of them can rest a little (even though it didn't last long).  We were chatting and spending quality time in the lounge before 4 Gu Jeh and I headed back up.  Fian and Dad would continue to stay 24/7 from now on.  I dropped 4 Gu Jeh (she's staying at my parents') and made it in time to join Gloria, the boys and my in-laws for dinner.  It then start snowing!  After settling the boys, Gloria and I went out for dessert take out having fun driving in snow!  Somehow we both got so excited when it's snowing.  We spent some time with 4 Gu Jeh while having dessert together.  She shared to us a lot about my Grandma (from Dad's side) who passed away when I was 8.  She also updated us about 5 Gu Jeh in Vancouver who's also battling cancer.  Please also pray for my 5 Gu Jeh and family!  God is good all the time.  He does have His plan.  We all miss you.

20121227 Thursday - Gloria needs to work but Cheryl is back so the boys will have some fun with her at home.  4 Gu Jeh and I came down but it took us longer cuz' of snow shovel and the road condition.  Mom danced with Dad this morning again and was then "in and out" for the whole day.  She couldn't fall asleep at the beginning.  We had to ask for more dosage on the pain medication (Dilaudid - five times stronger than morphine).  She was then able to sleep finally from 11am to 2pm.  And so did Dad and Fian.  I love you all.

Each time, Mom is up for about less than an hour but still very "drunk".  Her second nap was from 3pm to 6pm.  Derek/Jenny, Carly/Tyler came later this evening.  Uncle Ed and Auntie Tiana brought us all dinner (thank you!).  The whole family is once again together, God is good.  I miss Gloria and my boys though...Dad also got a chance to shower finally.

After spending almost a year for treatments in HK, God sent Mom back to Canada for a reason.  She can enjoy her time with her family and friends here.  So everyone from both sides could show their love and care for her.  Since only two visiting hours were allowed in HK each day, Dad also mentioned that one day here in Canada equals 12 days in HK.  So, Dad said it's been more than a year already!  God is good once again.

I'm not sure what is quality of life sometimes as Mom is either in pain when up or sleeping without pain.  God, we will continuously pray for your mercy and guidance.  Once of Mom's favorite verses.

"應當一無掛慮，只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝，將你們所要的告訴神。  神所賜出人意外的平安，必在基督耶穌裡保守你們的心懷意念。" (腓 立 比 書 4:6-7)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)