Nursing Home Decision + Radiation
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It’s pretty crazy that last year all was good with my grandparents and this year, has been a double whammy needing to place them both in a nursing home. It’s been over two weeks since my gram was taken to the hospital and then transferred to rehab. We have made the sad decision to place my gram in the nursing home (the same as my grandfather) full time as we can’t take care of her needs at home anymore. We met with so many people to try and see if it was feasible and honestly, it would be dangerous to have her at home. She has stage 4 renal cancer (she was treated and in remission 14 years ago for the renal cancer) and it has spread to her hip and lungs. The cancer in her hip and on her lungs, have basically left her bed bound and when she does transfer to a wheel chair, she needs two trained people to help her to avoid pain in her leg. It’s pretty sad but man, she is one tough old lady. She is still in good spirits most of the time and still has the gusto to throw my grandfather out of her room when he drives her crazy. -ha
She is having severe pain in her leg so much so, that she has opted to try radiation to help with the pain. She had an appointment with her oncologist last week and she meets with the radiologist this week. She will have two weeks of treatment and the nursing facility will transport her in a wheel chair van about 45 minutes away to the radiologist. It’s not going to be a pleasant experience for her based on the travel never mind the treatments but she wants to try it. So onward we go.
My grandfather is very happy that she will be staying there, just down the hall from him. My gram isn’t so happy about it but has come to the conclusion, that she needs special care, medication and help that we cannot give her at home. She had a pretty bad incident a few nights ago where the pain in her leg was so bad when she was going to the bathroom, she actually said she was thankful she was there when it happened and not at home. They were able to administer meds right away and get her back into bed quickly. My grandfather’s mental health needs a “tune-up” as I call it and this week, we are having him evaluated for a med adjustment. His dementia is showing multiple personalities (that’s the best way to describe it) and needless to say, my gram’s failing health isn’t helping his state of mind. More on that later this week. The house is SO QUIET without them and honestly, it’s kind of weird. My grandfather’s cat is missing them something fierce and while she likes us, we are not them. Thank you again for all your sweet emails, messages on social media and post comments, you are all so amazing and we truly appreciate your support!
About The Author
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
Oh, Jessica. I’ve been there and my prayers are with you. It’s hard.
I’m so sorry to hear all of this Jessica. My thought and prayers are with you all. Leslie 🙂
My heart breaks for all of you. Prayers up!
Prayers and love for your entire family. Difficult times for sure.?❤
I’m praying for you and your family. Your grandma and grandpa are pretty special to us all because of your posts. Thank you for sharing and I will continue to pray for you and I’m confident everyone who follows you will pray as well. My Blessing to you Jessica.
My tears are flowing for you and your dear family.
so sorry for all you guys have going on right now!. Old age is not for the faint of heart ! I will definitely keep all of you in the prayers – hugs to all of you!
Prayers continue for everyone. See if you can take the cat to the nursing home for a visit. It really helps all involved. When my Dad was at Hospice for med adjustments–the animals helped keep him calm—although a lot of work for a few minutes visit but is calmed him. Please take care of yourself!
My heart goes out to you all. Praying for peace and relief of pain for your grandparents and wisdom for the doctors and you all. I know that this is a difficult situation. I have been there with my parents and grandparents. Praying for the hope that can only be found in Jesus.
My heartfelt prayers continue on behalf of your much beloved Grandparents and your whole family too. Our lives continually change and sometimes we can not prevent or even alter what we are given. During my most difficult times, I found it best to just face one day at a time. Do not look back or to far ahead, just deal with today. It doesn’t change the inevitable, but sometimes it gives that little bit of strength you need. I always prayed the same prayer – “God, please help me through today.” It worked!
This is all so hard Jess, I hope you are trying to take care of yourself and enjoy the time you have with your grandparents. I’ll keep praying for comfort for your Gram and a peaceful mindset for Gramps
Your grams still has that sweet smile. Bless her heart, I’m sure she isn’t always smiling, because of the pain. So sorry that your grandparents are having such a hard time and I know it isn’t easy for you and your family to watch them suffer. My thoughts and prayers are still with you all. God Bless you all!
I’m sorry your grandmother has to be in the nursing home also, but that’s neat she has a good attitude about it. That will be nice for your grandparents to be close together again. I’m praying for all of you.
Prayers for all of you as you go through this stage in the life of your grandparents. Sending Love and Hugs.
I’m praying for both of your grandparents.
Oh, my goodness! What an ordeal for everyone involved to be going through. I continue to pray for all of you and I will definitely remember to include the cat. This situation make my stomach go into knots. Many blessings.