hospice

Alison was admitted to UCSF over the past few days because of progression of symptoms. She had trouble with finding words and completing sentences, and her right arm and hand were not moving properly. A new MRI shows tumor progression that accounts for the symptoms.

She received another big dose of steroids, and remains on them. This has helped with the word-finding and ability to complete her thoughts, though Kirk reports there are still word-finding deficits. I haven’t spoken to her, but will see her tomorrow to be able to report how much she can read things like blog posts. She isn’t able to use technology devices, as best I can tell, so if she is not responding to emails, that is why. Dani spent the night with her last night, and perhaps can keep her up to date on any messages while she is with her.

The neuro-oncologist at UCSF does not have additional viable treatments to help her, so she and Kirk have elected hospice care as of yesterday.

She is going home today, with Hospice nurse coming out to do the assessment and help arrange for home equipment, like hospital bed and such. Electing hospice means she will forgo treatment looking to battle the tumor, but will receive the wide range of supportive, palliative and humanistic services that this program can offer Alison and her family.

I’ll have more ‘eye-witness’ reports for you all soon.

Love,

Deborah