[Oe List ...] Virginia Pierce Update

[Norm and Judy Lindblad]

Thank you Lewie for the thoughtful communication and to Beret for sharing it
with the wider community.  Precious details like these help strengthen all
of us in the journeys that are before us.  It will have an important place
in my conscious aging and dying file.

May peace beyond our understanding be with the Pierce family and all of us
who count them as friends and colleagues.

Grace and Peace, Judy

On Jan 7, 2008 12:24 PM, RICHARD HOWIE <rhowie3 at verizon.net> wrote:

> 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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