[Oe List ...] Virginia Pierce Update

[RICHARD HOWIE]

Thank You Beret.  I am putting a note in the mail today for Virginia  
and Lewie, as they prepare for the coming journey.
Love, Grace and Peace, Ellen
On Jan 7, 2008, at 7:15 AM, Beret Griffith 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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