[Dialogue] Virginia Pierce Update

[Mary D'Souza]

Thank you Beret for sending this on to us.
Mary


On 1/7/08, Beret Griffith <beretgriffith at charter.net> wrote:
>
> 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" 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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>
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