Good Afternoon Friends and Family,

It's been an eye opening week. We just finished our intake with Hospice. I was not really aware of how much hospice provides until we went through this. Bottom line I should never have to go to a doctors appointment or the ER anymore. Everyone comes to us and we can get our hands on meds and equipment very quickly which will be a nice change of pace. No more keeping track of re-ordering meds (which is almost a job of its own for Daijha), no more going to several different companies for things like oxygen, another place just for the pleurx catheter drains, etc... 

While it sounds nice to have some of that burden taken, it's also taking away a level of control which will take a little getting used to. The RN that came out was fantastic. We've been very happy with everything Cascade has done or us so far. They were able to provide things that you just don't really think of. Example, they give you a book that is written by RNs outlining the experience of your body slowing and shutting down as you approach death. I have often had these questions of "what can I expect as time progresses" that nothing has really been able to answer for me. So it will be nice to read this and be prepared for when something different happens to know that it is part of the normal progression of life in the end.

So what's next? I guess the answer is just keeping as comfortable as possible until the time comes and that is the goal of hospice as well. I realize this is a very different update in tone than I have given in the past. At some point optimism has to allow for some realism, and the reality is I do have a less than 6 month prognosis. So I want to focus the next amount of time and energy I have on loving my amazing wife Daijha and my family who will be heading up to Eugene this week for a very extended stay.

I think back to before my diagnosis and how hard it was to see the forest through the trees most of the time. All I can say is that yes, I'm just another person in a dire situation telling you to take the time so smell the roses. However, I beg you to take your life in to your own hands and shed yourself of as much negativity that you can. We live in crazy times now and I fear for what the future holds for all of you, especially the covid situation. It sort of feels like things aren't ever going to be able to get back to the way they were. It's not always possible, but just promise me you'll take the extra time to hug a loved one or go out of your way to say "I love you" just one more time today. In the end, you're never going to feel guilty for spending too much time focused on your loved ones. You'll only regret the time you didn't.

Sorry for the rant, it just felt necessary today. I hope you're all have a good start to the week and remember that we love you all very much and look forward to seeing some of you very soon!