Jones Family Updates

 Last night Kathie looked at me then slowly took her last, quiet breaths. She waited until I arrived and then moved into the arms of Jesus. Dave

After 3 weeks, Kathie had a pretty good day today. She followed me with her eyes, her cough has reduced slightly,   her temperature is a little elevated but overall I’d say she is more comfortable and resting easier. She is still amazing We appreciate your care, Dave & Kathie

  Friends, Kathie had a good day on Wednesday, I left about 8pm, but then 11pm-4:30am was not so good. I believe that she continues to have an upper respiratory pain or cough that wake her up; which leads to a sudden breathing anxiety; which causes hyperventilating and that cycle continues until we can break it with meds. Many times, I have no answer but to wipe a cold washcloth on her forehead and talk to her trying to calm her down. When Kathie is in this state, the emotional concern raises for all of the caregivers. Then without knowing what exactly is the cause… she calms, go to sleep and is peaceful. Prayer: wisdom to figure out the CAUSE.  Many years ago, I realized that my goal could not be to fix Kathie’s right brain injury. My job is to keep Kathie comfortable and advocate (be her voice) for her care. With that goal in mind, today, I gave her a warm hydrotherapy bath and washed her hair… she fell asleep in the bath. For some comic relief, she hears my bad french accen...

  Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. —Matthew 10:27. We increased some medications that helped "dry out” and reduce her cough, this translates to fewer coughing fits and greater comfort for rest. She responded well late last night and slept better last night. Thank you for strengthening us through the ups and downs of this illness… I’ve never experienced two weeks of such volatility as we care for Kathie. I feel happy to share our “ups” and regret when we go “down." As Pastor Jerry offered, “we will pray when you don’t have the energy.” And it is a Happy Valentines Day, her flowers are on her bedside table, Dave & Kathie   On Feb 13, 2021: Friday was a great day and I thought the cough was under control and we were moving on. Saturday, not so good, I was in very early to assist Kathie. When I have had a cough, I’ve tried to lay on my back and cough, difficult. Kathie has had a rough 14 days. I ki...

  After 14 days, I am pleased to say that this was a good day for Kathie. Her breathing, heart rate and blood pressure are all improving, she looks better and more comfortable. But when the coughs “attack,” she sounds like a distressed child. Good news is that she is coughing less, bad news is that it hurts her. I am thankful that my second Covid vaccine did not prevent me from being at Kathie’s side early this morning, a sore arm and low-grade headache were my only symptoms.  Kathie is healing slowly and moving toward some comfort, Dave & Kathie

Kathie has a painful cough that wakes her up. I appreciate when her pain meds work and she open-mouth sleeps, so relaxed. Our major concern is still the infection that is being treated by antibiotics. She continues to receive great care by her nurses and she is strengthened by the your prayers. I received my second Covid vaccine today, my hope is that my reaction to the injection will not limit my care of Kathie tomorrow.   We continue the good fight, Dave & Kathie

Another good day. Kathie is still on antibiotics, a variety of medicines but she seemed comfortable today and was able to sleep. On occasions, pain and anxiety grip her and we work to reassure her. Blessings on your night as well, Dave & Kathie

  Thanksgiving for no major scary moments today. I was able to give Kathie a bath, antibiotics seem to be working, other medications are being given, she even slept a little, and in the midst of this Katherine continues the fight. My verse today: “...I will not forget you. I have engraved [Kathie’s] name on My palm…" Isaiah 49:15. From a note left in Kathie’s room many years ago. I have carried it with us through all the different room she has been in. Peace tonight, Dave & Kathie

All, Yesterday afternoon, I went home napped, ate and then slept until 5am. I returned to Kathie’s bedside where she looked good, then around 9am her O2 saturation dropped dramatically, there is nothing I can do to fix this! About the hours later her numbers began to slowly rise, she opened her eyes and looked at me. Her eyes have been open most of the afternoon as I talk to her. Her doctor ordered two new antibiotics regiments to begin. This afternoon we watched Courtyard Worship together and worshiped the Living God who made Kathie… this is one strong woman and I am blessed to be with her another day.   In God’s Mercy, we continue. Dave & Kathie

  My day started at 4:00 this morning with Kathie, last night was an awful night for her. High blood pressure, shallow breathing, low O2. All these symptoms led me to believe that this could be the final hours for her. I have many, many years of experiences of her medical issues and that is the reason I’m allow at her bedside, the staff relies on my judgement. I prayed the 23rd Psalm over her and especially paused “… though the valley of the shadow of death,” because that is where I believed we were headed today. My goal has always been to keep Kathie comfortable not to keep her alive. In God’s providence, around 9am, medication eased her pain, her BP went down and O2 levels went up… and her breathing relaxed. We have no idea what this evening or tomorrow will bring, we are grateful for this moment. “For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever," Dave & Kathie

  All, Another busy, difficult day. I have come to the conclusion that including Hospice in Kathie’s care right now is not necessary. Hospice did a good job reevaluating Kathie’s pain meds, but we currently have a great medical staff attending to Kathie needs.  Still no definitive answer on the Cause, an early guess is that Kathie may have contracted a bacterial pneumonia that settled in her throat. The antibiotics, pain medicine and time will tell us how long healing might take. These days are a mix time of relaxation and pain throughout the day. Pray for Kathie's strength. With our love,Dave & Kathie

  Today we (I am Kathie’s voice to the staff) began adjusting Kathie’s pain medication as the sharp pains seemed to have subsided, I watch her closely to avoid an early reduction. She continues to rest and remain calm, grimacing on occasion, but her face is very relaxed.  I am still waiting on her Blood Cultures to give us a clue as to what caused this sudden infection. 2 Corinthians 4:1,8 personalized today: So Kathie and I fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Blessings,   Dave & Kathie

  Friends, Medication has helped Kathie sleep most of the day, which is what I wanted for her. I am working with the nurses to keep her sedated, recovering and taking antibiotics. Also dry out her throat secretions through meds. Pretty quiet day with me watching her sleep mostly. I was able to give her a bath today, the first time since March 16, 2020, I think she enjoy my touch. Her hair is so very long since I haven’t been able to get it cut. Dave & Kathie

  I had an Elizabeth Hospice RN here and all Kathie’s pain meds have been updated. Antibiotics seem to be working but the fight goes on. She is sleeping more soundly until the pain wakes her. A better day than yesterday. Dave & Kathie

  All, Kathie is worn out, I am closely monitoring her pain. She had a difficult morning but seems to have settled down this afternoon. I have let our children know of my concerns and I have called in Elizabeth Hospice to manage Kathie’s pain and add to her care team. After the first 24 hours, the antibiotics showed results but this will continue for 6 more days. We are blessed by your love and prayers, Dave & Kathie On Jan 31, 2021, at 7:37 PM, srjonesfamily@san.rr.com wrote: Kathie has responded to the antibiotic infusions well. She still has a low grade fever and residual coughing, probably fluid buildup from the infection. I am hopeful these are signs that the antibiotics are working. She still doesn’t sound good but is better considering the last 3 days. Right now she looks like a child, eyes glued to the Home Network on TV… with a croupy cough. A gift from Pastor Jeff, helpful during todays struggles:  "He who keeps you will not slumber. He who keeps Israel will neit...