The Last Tube is Gone

The doctor disconnected Tom's ventilator this afternoon. It was a very peaceful and easy disconnect, and there was no gasping for breath on Dad's part. They are continuing to oxygenate the air surrounding his trachaeotomy but that is all; outside of the trache itself there are no more tubes attached to him. Mom had feared that he would not live more than a few minutes after being disconnected, but he has been breathing on his own all day and so far all evening. His respirations vary between 19 and 22 per minute, and his pulse has been about 78 beats per minute, according to our measurements. Of course, we have no way to measure the quality, depth, or volume of the breaths he is taking. We have not been able to rouse him all day today, but he is still in there fighting, as evidenced by his independently initiated breaths and now-strong heartbeat. He is till bleeding, and of course has all the other maladies, but it is pervertedly ironic that his heart which was so faint now seems to be the strongest part of his body. ~~~ Last night Robin and Jerry stayed the night with him. Tonight Sherry, David, and Loni are sharing the watch. Loni had a dream last night that her deceased grandmother offered to greet Dad and help him to the Other Side in a peaceful transition. ~~~ I have to say that the staff at the Hospice are the most compassionate, gentlest and kindest I have seen. They are so tender any time they touch Dad, and you can see the genuine compassion in their eyes. I do not believe he could be in better surroundings at this time.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I haven't called in a while, but it's not because I have forgotten you. I know you are all busy and exhausted and I read the blog daily to keep up with the news. Please let your mother know I pray for you all daily and my sister does also (she also reads the blog). God bless, Mary Wroten
Sunday, April 23, 2006 2:01:00 PM
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