Please, Please Pray For My Sister

[Kitty]

I haven't spoken much about her on this board but some of you know I have a sister (Susan) who has early onset Alzheimer's. She is only 57. She's been in a nursing facility the past four years and has rapidly progressed. My BIL called me this morning to let me know that they are transferring her to the hospice wing because she cannot swallow anymore and cannot take food or liquid. She does not want a feeding tube (living will request made years ago) or any other means of support. They have said 1 to 4 weeks is what we should expect. They had to remove fluid from her lungs last night. My sister in VA is out of town on business so I am waiting for her to call me back this morning.

Please pray for Susan - that she can have a peaceful passing. These last four years have been so hard for her and all of us. She went from being able to talk to us to being able to do nothing in 4 short years. She doesn't even make eye contact anymore.

I'm SO tired of losing those I love. I am trying to be strong for my BIL - he isn't ready to let her go. None of us are.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I love ya'll.

Kelly

[tkrik]

HK - What sad news! I am so sorry for you. I will pray for a peaceful passing for your sister. Additionally, I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Sending cyber:hug:'s.

[Bannet]

(((((Kelly))))) I am so sorry to hear about your sister Susan.

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

[turtle_78]

Kelly, my thought and prayers are with you. I will pray for your sister

[MSCherokee]

Kelly,

I'm sorry to hear about your sister. I'll be keeping you and your entire family in my thoughts and prayers. (((Hugs)))

[Annelee]

Oh, Kelly,

I am so sorry to hear about your sister. I pray she doesn't not feel too much pain. Gold Bless you all for letting her die with dignity. That must be very hard to uphold your sis' wishes.

Prayers for the Holy Spirit to bring comfort to everyone. :hug:

[soxmom]

Im sorry to hear about your sis Kelly.:( My thoughts and prayers
are with you and yours.

Soxmom

[Foggy Brain]

Kelly,

May the Lord be with your sister, you, and your family during this most difficult time. Prayers and thoughts will be made.

[GladysD]

(((Kelly)))

May you all gain the peace that you need and deserve!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today

[D_HOLLAND]

Kelly, you have been through so very much lately - you are in my prayers

((((Kelly)))))

[momXseven]

Oh Kelly, I'm so sorry. Prayers coming your way.

[DM]

Oh Kelly~ I am so very sorry that Susan has taken such a bad turn, but she has suffered and lost so much. I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and your family and sending prayers for the Lord to envelope Susan in his loving arms and take her home where she will be whole again.

Please take care of yourself~

I wish I could reach out and hug you....:hug:

[AfterMyNap]

Oh, Kell, I'm so sorry. Of course I'll pray for Susan's peace, and for all of you too who will be left behind and must find your ways. ><>

[ania]

I'm very sorry for you and your family, I will keep her in my thoughts.

We went though the same thing with my grandfather...it's very difficult to see the ones we love go through this.

[barb02]

Kelly, I just want to echo what everyone else has said. I am so sorry. My dad passed away from altzheimer's a few years ago and I understand. It is hard to let go, but you also hate to see someone you love suffering so. 57 is so young.:hug:

[MamaMonkey]

I am so sorry. Prayers going out to you guys :hug:

[MooseasaurusRex]

One big rig full of prayers and good feelings in the face of adversity on I-95 South right now. Should be there late tonight.:hug:

[Kitty]

Thank you so much everyone for your thoughts and prayers. :grouphug: I appreciate it very much - ya'll are the best.

I just spoke with my BIL and nothing much has changed. The doctor told him it could be today, tomorrow, a month from now. Not much comfort but I know when it is her time to go she will go.

My boys are going to go with me on Saturday and visit with her. She is in Cumming, GA - that's about an hour from where I live. Their cousins (her 3 boys) will be there as well. Too bad it takes something like this to get everyone together in the same room....:(

[SandyC]

Oh dear. I am so sorry Kitty. I will keep you all in my prayers. I hate this disease.


It is sad that what brings a family together is something like this. But it is also a comfort.

[joellelee2000]

Oh Kelly! I am so sorry about all of this! My prayers and thoughts are with you (I hope you knew that already). I'm here if you need to talk.


:hug::hug::hug:

[MooseasaurusRex]

(((((((((((((((((((Kelly))))))))))))))))

[SurvivingMSwithHOPE]

Your sister is definately in my prayers!!

Hugs

[tamiloo]

((((((((Kelly...and your loved ones))))))))

[Vonn07]

Kelly .. I'm here for you too ... my mom also had a 'living will' to non-resuscitate .. hospice people are God's angels ... they helped with things that I couldn't comprehend!

my prayers are with you ...keep your strength!! ((HUGS))

[lady_express_44]

She will go to a better place, where she is healthy and free from her suffering.

Susan is in my prayers, as are the rest of the family. :hug:

Cherie

[Chris]

Thank you so much everyone for your thoughts and prayers. :grouphug: I appreciate it very much - ya'll are the best.

I just spoke with my BIL and nothing much has changed. The doctor told him it could be today, tomorrow, a month from now. Not much comfort but I know when it is her time to go she will go.

My boys are going to go with me on Saturday and visit with her. She is in Cumming, GA - that's about an hour from where I live. Their cousins (her 3 boys) will be there as well. Too bad it takes something like this to get everyone together in the same room....:(


Hello Kelly,
I don't know you as I'm NOT one of the newbies here, but I just wanted you to know that I am not far from Cumming (maybe a 1/2 hour?). My husband works at the Siemans plant in Alpharetta, so if there is anything you ever need, please don't hesitate to ask. I would be more than willing to lend a hand, ear, or shoulder. I'm sorry that you are going through this right now. What a horrific disease!:(

Stay strong,
Chris

[Koala77]

My thoughts are with you Kelly. :hug:

[Jappy]

I haven't spoken much about her on this board but some of you know I have a sister (Susan) who has early onset Alzheimer's. She is only 57. She's been in a nursing facility the past four years and has rapidly progressed. My BIL called me this morning to let me know that they are transferring her to the hospice wing because she cannot swallow anymore and cannot take food or liquid. She does not want a feeding tube (living will request made years ago) or any other means of support. They have said 1 to 4 weeks is what we should expect. They had to remove fluid from her lungs last night. My sister in VA is out of town on business so I am waiting for her to call me back this morning.

Please pray for Susan - that she can have a peaceful passing. These last four years have been so hard for her and all of us. She went from being able to talk to us to being able to do nothing in 4 short years. She doesn't even make eye contact anymore.

I'm SO tired of losing those I love. I am trying to be strong for my BIL - he isn't ready to let her go. None of us are.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I love ya'll.

Kelly

Kelly my heart goes out to you and your family. I will pray that your sister has a peaceful time on her journey home.

I understand what you are going through my father lasted two weeks after the decision to stop everything at his request in his living will.

My husband fought for 3 years but the cancer finally got him.

You and your family take care of each other because there is nothing more you can do but pray for her peace.

Be strong Joyce :hug:

[thav1]

Praying as we speak friend.....:hug:

[ashaffer99]

I am so sorry to hear this Kelly, many prayers going your way....

[karousel]

Kelly, I'm so sorry that you and your family are going through this. You, your sister and your family will be in my prayers. :hug:

[the Bird]

knee mail sent.

[TwoKidsTwoCats]

(((KELLY))), Susan will be in my prayers. :hug:

[Bearygood]

Kelly, my thoughts are with you, Susan and your family. I'm truly sorry to hear about this. :hug:

[Kitty]

I went and visited with Susan today and her hospice nurse was there. I talked with her for a long time until my BIL got there. Susan was not in as bad a shape as I had feared she would be in but it's still not a good situation. She aspirates anything she takes in by mouth and she will definitely get pneumonia if she does that. She wants no "heroic measures" taken (in her living will made up probably 15 years ago) and Mark (my BIL) made it clear today that they are to give her no more meds. It was not a pleasant visit by any means and I just hate to see her suffering with no hope of getting better even with medication. I will probably go back tomorrow for a while. Just wanted to give an update - everyone has been so kind to pray for her.

[AfterMyNap]

Thanks for the update, Kell. Prays for Susan, you and all still going up. ><>:hug:

[SallyC]

Oh, Kelly, I am so sorry about this. I hope Susan is not suffering. I hope they are, at last, giving her Morphine, to help make her passing a little easier on her and You and Family.

I just said goodbye to my 70 yr old Brother a couple of months ago. It's sooooo hard. Please know that Susan and you are in my prayers.

:hug:

[joellelee2000]

Hi Kelly, They aren't even giving her any pain meds? I guess she might want to be as aware as she can be in this situation. My prayers are with you and yours, as always. :hug:

[AfterMyNap]

How are you doing, Kelly?:hug:

[duvabw]

I am so sorry! :(

Praying for you, your sister and family.


:hug:

[BaxterTheBunny]

Kelly,

Your sister, BIL, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry you are all having to go through this.

Prayers for much peace to be over your whole family.

:hug:
Kim

[SandyC]

Kelly, thanks for the update. I am sorry you have to watch your sister like this. We are here with you, just lean on us.

[Twinkletoes]

Sorry to be such a latecomer here, but I brought a bucket o' hugs and a bushel of prayers.

Tough to have a sister/parent/anyone with such a terrible disease.

Please know that we are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

(((((((Kelly)))))))

[Chris]

You know how to reach me, Kelly. I'm just a heartbeat away. This is what friends are for.

You, and your family shall remain in my thoughts and prayers.:hug:

[Kitty]

How are you doing, Kelly?:hug:


Thanks for asking about me - I'm OK - I think...I sort of go into "hyper-mode" when I am around the family - just want to make sure everyone is doing OK, her husband and boys seem to be handling it well but you never know. They are probably like me - put up a brave front around people but fall apart when alone. I've only done that a couple of times - usually when something triggers a memory or I see a piture or hear a song that reminds me of her when she was OK. :(

What just tears me up is that she was looking forward so much to grandchildren and now that she has five of them she cannot even enjoy them. She only got to see one and he is eight years old now. She would have been such a wonderful grandmother.

When we got home yesterday afternoon and I was getting supper together I actually felt guilty that I was able to do such a simple task - heating up left overs - and she was stuck in that stupid nursing home missing out on her life with her family and not even able to eat supper. :mad: I flip flop between mad and sad.

[joellelee2000]

Hi Kelly, I understand the "hyper-mode" thing. It makes you feel like you're at least a little bit in control and able to help in someway. You and I are a lot like. We hide behind the brave face and use humor to get trhough things. My grandmother has Alzheimer's. I know that doesn't even compare to your situation, but I understand what a frustrating, maddening, and heart-breaking disease it is. It is a horrible waiting and watching situation. It so hard on the entire family. Again, my prayers are with you and yours as always. I'm just a phone call away when you feel up to talking. We're all thinking about you.

[lburdockfriend]

i will keep your sister in my prayers hoping that it can be as peaceful for her as possible!!

I haven't spoken much about her on this board but some of you know I have a sister (Susan) who has early onset Alzheimer's. She is only 57. She's been in a nursing facility the past four years and has rapidly progressed. My BIL called me this morning to let me know that they are transferring her to the hospice wing because she cannot swallow anymore and cannot take food or liquid. She does not want a feeding tube (living will request made years ago) or any other means of support. They have said 1 to 4 weeks is what we should expect. They had to remove fluid from her lungs last night. My sister in VA is out of town on business so I am waiting for her to call me back this morning.

Please pray for Susan - that she can have a peaceful passing. These last four years have been so hard for her and all of us. She went from being able to talk to us to being able to do nothing in 4 short years. She doesn't even make eye contact anymore.

I'm SO tired of losing those I love. I am trying to be strong for my BIL - he isn't ready to let her go. None of us are.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. I love ya'll.

Kelly

[Kitty]

Hi Kelly, I understand the "hyper-mode" thing. It makes you feel like you're at least a little bit in control and able to help in someway. You and I are a lot like. We hide behind the brave face and use humor to get trhough things. My grandmother has Alzheimer's. I know that doesn't even compare to your situation, but I understand what a frustrating, maddening, and heart-breaking disease it is. It is a horrible waiting and watching situation. It so hard on the entire family. Again, my prayers are with you and yours as always. I'm just a phone call away when you feel up to talking. We're all thinking about you.


Hi Joelle,

Thanks - I appreciate all the kind words and thoughts more than you know. My Mom had Alzheimer's but didn't present symptoms until her 70's. Susan began her journey with this disease when she was just 47 - the age I am now. I will never forget the day my BIL called and said that Susan was at an antique shop on my side of town and had no idea how she got there, which car was hers or how to get home. The shop owner had called him - Susan could remember her phone number but not how to get home. My Mom used to do the same thing - she would call me to tell me a strange man was in the house (it was my Dad) and by the time I got there she had forgotten the call and was just happy I "popped in" to visit. How and why she could remember phone numbers I don't know - just part of this horrible disease.

I hope your Grandmother is doing OK - is she in a nursing facility or still at home? My BIL kept Susan at home as long as he could - he would even take her to work with him some days (he is self-employed) but it just got to be too much. He felt so guilty putting her into a nursing home but he just had no choice. That was four years ago and she has declined rapidly since then.

I'm sorry any of us have to watch this disease take our loved ones from us - not once but twice.

[yeahbut]

kelly - I am so sorry to hear about your sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Losing a loved one is never easy.

[tkrik]

(((Kelly))) I know this is so hard on you and in many ways you feel helpless. It is hard to see family members like that. I completely understand.

We are all here for you and praying for you and your family.:hug:

[soxmom]

Stilll thinking of you. :hug: Take care,

Soxmom

[DM]

Hi Kelly~ Just read your update.

I'm praying for Susan to rest peacefully and for you. Wish I could do more. Take care Kelly!

[Taffy]

(((((Hk))))))

[SallyC]

Kelly, picture us all sitting beside you, holding your hand. I'm there.:hug:

[sherylp]

Praying for your sister, family and you.

[Kitty]

Update: Susan is still hanging on but she has kept a 102 temp for two days now. Hospice nurse says it is part of the natural decline. I was not able to go see her today but I will be there in the morning. My BIL just called and said that they expect her to make it through the night but said that we should not expect her to linger too much longer. He's just a basket case.

I am so tired of watching my loved ones die. I was with my Dad when he passed (I had never actually watched anyone die before but I was so glad I could be there with him). I don't want Susan to be alone when she dies - whether she can let me know that she is aware I'm there or not - I don't want her to be alone. :(

Thank you, everyone, for praying for her.

[BaxterTheBunny]

I pray you'll be able to be with her and that she will have a peaceful passing. She'll get to see her father soon. They'll have a grand reunion. :hug:

[SandyC]

One of my best friends Lori, was in hospice care when she was dx'd with a rare lung cancer. She laid there moaning over and over. Her pastor read her last rites three times thinking she would pass peacefully. I was the last person to physically speak with her before she went into a coma state. On her last day as we gathered around her I knew I had to try something to let her know she could go. See, she worried about her children so much.

I leaned down and whispered in her ear "Lori, honey, it's OK to let go. I will make sure your girls are taken care of and they will be OK. It's Ok to go be with Jesus. I will miss you Lori, I love you so much. Please don't suffer anymore, go be in peace."

She passed away a few hours later. My point in telling you this was that maybe she is waiting for something, holding on for something.

Either way, my prayers are with you all.

[reillymo]

Kelly

So sorry to hear what you and your family are going through!

You, Susan and your loved ones are in my prayers.

I hope you get to see her as often as possible - I know I cherish the memories I have of being with my Dad toward his end.

Hoping it gives you comfort to know so many of us here are lifting you up in prayer.

Mo

[karousel]

Kelly, you and your family will remain in my prayers.

[soxmom]

Ill be thinking of you and your family tomorrow. God Bless.:hug:

Soxmom

[suzyqz_2007]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. :hug:

[snoodles]

Kelly,
I am so very sorry for what you are going through. Your BIL sounds like a WONDERFUL man.

I lost my wonderful husband to brain cancer 5 years ago - he was only 48 and I was 44. Brain cancer in the location of my husband tumor is very similar to altzheimers, I know because I lost my dear FIL to Altzheimers a few years earlier. You do indeed lose them twice.

This is such very, very difficult time for you and all those who love her so much - I do pray that God takes her swiftly and peacefully and that you can all take comfort in the knowledge that she will once again be whole.

Sandy's advice is so good - I received that same advice and my children and I told my husband that it is OK to leave us that we will be together and we will all be OK. I honestly believe that somewhere inside, he understood and let go.

When your sister goes on, I hope you will be able to take comfort that she is with loved ones.

May you receive the comfort that you need to get through this very horrible time in your life....

[SallyC]

((((((((((Susan)))))))))))) ((((((((((((((Kelly))))))))))))) (((((((((Family)))))))))))

[tkrik]

Kelly, I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. I am glad that you will be able to go and be with your sister as it will mean so much to both of you.

[Foggy Brain]

May God lovingly shine his grace on your sister, and aid in comforting you, your BIL, and the entire family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ((((((((Kelly))))))))

[weegot5kiz]

kitty please know you and your family and susan are in debs and my prayers