God bless the people who work in hospice. Those are not normal jobs. Or regular responsibilities. Or easy conversations. 

And it wasn’t the immediately smooth easy switch we hoped for for Phil either. But the team has been great and it seems like his pain management may be figured out for now. 

That said, it’s important to remember it’s pain ‘management.’ Not relief. Not a cure. 

And while we hoped hospice would be the rest and restoration Phil needed to get ready for more treatment, it does not appear to be heading that way. Not that we don’t still hope—we do. 

But most days Phil needs to spend the majority of his time resting. He doesn’t eat much. And there’s the daily debate of whether to come downstairs or not. Him wanting the change of scenery and socialness of the living room while knowing it won’t be as comfortable as the bed and that every taxing trip down requires another excruciating trip up. 

Luckily his location does not determine whether or not he gets visitors. His friends continue to be the most amazing, supportive, wonderful people, stopping by to see how he’s doing or drop off food or offer to help. And he loves being able to catch up with them when he can. 

So please continue to reach out. You may not get a response, but it will be received and appreciated. And if you’re local and want to come by, just arrange with Laura. Because Phil is still here. He’s not giving up. He may not always be as alert as he wants to be, but when you talk to him, he’s still clearly Phil.