Journal entry by Erin Munsterman —
A lot has happened in the last week and I want to update everyone.
As you all know, Mike went back in the hospital and at that time we found that his kidneys were not working as they should. We had hopes that they would respond with fluids and bounce back like they did the last time we were in the hospital. Labs were done including blood cultures and as those results came back, they started to go in the right direction. After the first 48 hours the blood cultures came back positive. Mike had a blood infection, so we tried to figure out where the infections was coming from with no success. On Tuesday, his labs started going in the wrong direction and it was more and more evident that his kidneys weren't going to bounce back. His imaging that he had done the day before admitting to the hospital for his cancer had shown that his Folfox chemo treatment hadn't been as effective as the doctors had hoped for and growth had been seen.
On Wednesday we had a hard discussion with doctors and Palliative Care. There was a lot of concern because we had reached the point that the doctors couldn't do any more.
I am thankful and feel blessed that Mike was lucid enough for that conversation with the doctors and a heart to heart conversation with each other. It was decided by Mike that he just wanted to get home. He is tired and has fought so hard but has no energy left. We chose to get him home transitioning to comfort care with Hospice.
On Thursday we brought Mike home and admitted to Hospice. At this time we are spending as much time as we have left together with friends and family and are surrounded with lots of support and love.
There are good moments and really tough moments but all filled with love and great memories.
God knows each person's timing and I know that Mike is ready. He knows our God is good and good all the time. He is always with us and loves us.
Mike still stands and never swayed from knowing that this is God's story that is being played out on our stage. May God's peace and comfort all those who will miss Mike here on earth but praise God that we have the encouragement of seeing each other again.
We are in prayer at this transition is smooth for Mike and I am able to see the needs when he is not able to communication. I pray that Mike is truly comfortable and knows how much he is loved
I am thankful that God has chosen me to be his partner in life and through this journey. I thank God for second chances and I thank God for our time together. Besides God, I can honestly say that Mike is the best thing that has happened to me. He has taught me how to love again and how to be loved. I have learned so much from him. He is my Best friend. This is very hard but thank you God for the memories we shared and created.
As you all know, Mike went back in the hospital and at that time we found that his kidneys were not working as they should. We had hopes that they would respond with fluids and bounce back like they did the last time we were in the hospital. Labs were done including blood cultures and as those results came back, they started to go in the right direction. After the first 48 hours the blood cultures came back positive. Mike had a blood infection, so we tried to figure out where the infections was coming from with no success. On Tuesday, his labs started going in the wrong direction and it was more and more evident that his kidneys weren't going to bounce back. His imaging that he had done the day before admitting to the hospital for his cancer had shown that his Folfox chemo treatment hadn't been as effective as the doctors had hoped for and growth had been seen.
On Wednesday we had a hard discussion with doctors and Palliative Care. There was a lot of concern because we had reached the point that the doctors couldn't do any more.
I am thankful and feel blessed that Mike was lucid enough for that conversation with the doctors and a heart to heart conversation with each other. It was decided by Mike that he just wanted to get home. He is tired and has fought so hard but has no energy left. We chose to get him home transitioning to comfort care with Hospice.
On Thursday we brought Mike home and admitted to Hospice. At this time we are spending as much time as we have left together with friends and family and are surrounded with lots of support and love.
There are good moments and really tough moments but all filled with love and great memories.
God knows each person's timing and I know that Mike is ready. He knows our God is good and good all the time. He is always with us and loves us.
Mike still stands and never swayed from knowing that this is God's story that is being played out on our stage. May God's peace and comfort all those who will miss Mike here on earth but praise God that we have the encouragement of seeing each other again.
We are in prayer at this transition is smooth for Mike and I am able to see the needs when he is not able to communication. I pray that Mike is truly comfortable and knows how much he is loved
I am thankful that God has chosen me to be his partner in life and through this journey. I thank God for second chances and I thank God for our time together. Besides God, I can honestly say that Mike is the best thing that has happened to me. He has taught me how to love again and how to be loved. I have learned so much from him. He is my Best friend. This is very hard but thank you God for the memories we shared and created.
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