[Dialogue] Virginia Pierce Update

[Beret Griffith]

On January 5th Lewie Pierce sent the following update on Virginia. 
I've added their postal address at the end of Lewie's message.

Beret

From: "Lewis Pierce DDS" <lpiercedds at comcast.net>
To:   "Beret Griffith" 
<mailto:beretgriffith at charter.net>beretgriffith at charter.net,
Subject: Happy New Year, Virginia's health update
Date: Sat, 5 Jan 2008 18:27:16 -0600

Hello Everyone,
We hope this email finds you well and ready to take on 2008, warts and all!

Regarding Virginia's health. On Wednesday, January 2 she had a CT 
scan and appointment with the oncologist after finishing another 
round of chemo therapy last week. The CT scan confirmed that the 
tumor in the lungs has grown. Clinically, she is more weak, sleeps 
and rests most of the time, and has little or no appetite. With all 
these factors in mind, the oncologist recommended the chemo be 
finished. We asked about expectations if chemo is finished and he 
stated that  the chemo can no longer keep up with the cancer and that 
the quality of care was the most important concern now. With this 
aggressive type of cancer and the clinical symptoms she has, she 
probably has 60-90 days. This was a very difficult decision for both 
of us. So now we are looking at the next phase of care, which is 
hospice. We had hospice evaluators out today and discussed the 
comprehensive services HealthEast system offers. Brian was also with 
us during the meeting. We were all very pleased with the care they 
offer, such as  having a home health aid in to do the bathing and 
grooming . We are particularly pleased with the bereavement 
counseling for the children and grandchildren. Keeping the family 
connected and showing love for each other in these challenging times 
will allow all of us to let Virginia go and continue on with our 
lives in a healthy way.
As many of you know, during the final months of life, people withdraw 
from the world and people, have decreased food intake,increase in 
sleep,communicate less,  and go inside of oneself. Virginia loves 
each and every one of you. However, because of her weakness and 
energy level, she is becoming selective about who she talks to or has 
as visitors. She enjoys her quiet time more and more. That doesn't 
mean she wouldn't talk or see any of you. However, if someone calls 
or wants to visit and she says no, please don't take it personally.
I have taken a leave of absence from the dental school where I was 
teaching in the clinic 3 days a week, to be the primary care-giver. 
With the hospice team in place, we hope this final stage of growth 
will be peaceful. Virginia has a wonderful, gracious spirit, and has 
said yes to her condition since the first diagnosis.
We have had a wonderful 49 years together, have no regrets, and are 
thankful for the gift of being on this journey together and knowing 
that our faith is strong because you are with us all the way.
Love,
Lewie and Virginia

Virginia and Lewie Pierce
2702 Mackubin Street
Roseville, MN 66113

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