Just Returned Home From Boston, Again

[Matt73]

Just got an email from my brother-in-law. Apparently, my sister has had no repiratory "episodes" in the last three days. Her chest tubes are out, as well. So...she's off to rehab today

She's not being rehabbed, per se (as she has no mobility anyway), just working on breathing and getting off the ventilator (I'm not sure if that's ever going to happen

). It just means she's out of Critical Care (after over 7 weeks) and is much more stable (no more infections, breathing problems etc.). So...thanks for all the prayers

I left Boston at the beginning of the month as my sis seemed to be getting better. I had to rush down again on Nov. 27th, as she developed pneumonia again and her heart rate rate dropped to 30 BPM. We all thought that she was passing on... Nope. She's in the later stages of ALS and got H1N1 in October (for those that don't know) Well...She's been in the Critical Care Unit in S. Weymouth, MA for 5 1/2 weeks now. She has an awesome team behind her (family, nurses, doctors, healers, etc.). We couldn't ask for better care. She is a fighter...WOW! It's so hard to see her with so many tubes going in and out of her (tons!). She also can't mouth words very clearly due to the ALS (she also has a tracheostomy). We tried to use a makeshift communication board, and that helped as she can nod and shake her head a bit. I'm glad she's getting better, but in a way I want her to pass on so that she is out of this h.e.l.l.

Just wanted to get it out...

Thanks.

 

[REO]

{{{{{{Matt}}}}}}

Still sending prayers to your sister to be well, one way or another. The hardest thing we can do is watch someone we love suffer.

 

[maplegum]

Ohhh Matt. She really is hanging in there hey?

Thinking of you,

Leonie xoxox

 

[Maxi'sMinis]

Matt I know exactly how you feel. It is so hard to watch someone you love suffer and it makes one feel so helpless to ease their pain. Prayers to give you strength to endure this heartache and praying for a miracle for your sister.

(((((Hug)))))

 

[Barbie]

Prayers for your sister!! I know from experience that it is very hard to watch someone you love suffer - I would look at my dad and say to myself "I just wish he could go to sleep and not wake up."

God Bless!

Barbie

 

[anoki]

I'm sorry to hear she is still in the hospital...I've been thinking about her a lot over the last month, wondering what was going on....

((((hugs)))) and I'll be thinking of both of you....

~kathryn

 

[AppyLover2]

Matt it sounds like she truely is a fighter. Just wanted to say I'm sorry about your conflict over your sisters health. I think it's only when faced with something like you are right now that we really think about the importance of quality of life.

 

[minie812]

Matt, I am sorry to here about your sister still being in the hospital. It is always hard on the families and caregivers to watch a loved one deal with such health issues and especially during this time of the year

 

[Matt73]

Thanks everyone

 

[bfogg]

Hi Matt,

It is so hard to watch someone we love suffer. You want it to be over for them but then feel guilty for thinking that. I prayed every day for God to take Larry.A little different situation as he was screaming in agony a lot. Then you don't want them to go. It's very hard and you will have a lot of conflicting feelings thru this.

Bonnie

 

[gimp]

I can relate to how you feel, Matt. I remember going through the same feelings a few years ago. It is such a conflict between wanting them to be free and wanting them around. I wish you all peace in however she decides to go with this.

 

[ChrystalPaths]

I understand Matt, when my dad was in the end stage of his cancer, we told him it was up to him but it was ok to let go, we'd always be together. I smell him sometimes, I like to think he's visiting. May I add her to my healing/prayer list? Warm hugs for you.

 

[Matt73]

Thank you

Yes, you can add her to your prayer list. That's so sweet of you.

Her name is Kathryn Whalen. Her husband is Lawrence Whalen. And she has four daughters: Elizabeth (17), Lindsay (16), Sarah (11), and Meaghan (9).

I understand Matt, when my dad was in the end stage of his cancer, we told him it was up to him but it was ok to let go, we'd always be together. I smell him sometimes, I like to think he's visiting. May I add her to my healing/prayer list? Warm hugs for you.

 

[ChrystalPaths]

Consider it done my friend

 

[luv2ridesaddleseat]

I'm so sorry Matt, for you, your sister and your whole family. Peace and prayers to all of you from me.

 

[barnbum]

God must have a reason for not taking her just yet.

Hang in there, Matt. This is tough stuff.

 

[Matt73]

Just bumping it up

 

[ChrystalPaths]

Still sending my best Matt for her, for you all.

 

[Barbie]

Still praying for her and your entire family.

(((HUGS)))

Barbie

 

[HGFarm]

Prayers for your sister and your whole family Matt. She must be one tough gal. There is nothing more difficult I guess, with such an emotional rollercoaster!! Hugs for you all.