It was very strange going back to work today. The first thing that hit me like a ton of bricks was the fact that life goes on with or without Jon or I. It seems so strange that the rest of the world didn't come to a screeching halt when Jon died.

Kelsey and I had decided the night before that it was a good idea to bake chocolate chip cookies at midnight so I was a bit tired in the morning but well worth the time with my son and our new puppy. I had my prescheduled monthly acupuncture appointment at lunch time so it gave me a chance for a nap and a little healing energy.

The afternoon was a little easier and I'm glad I eased into a day without trying to start with a full week.

Tonight Lori B. Liz and Marcus joined me, Kelsey, my mom and dad for dinner. We are in this heat up and serve mode from all of your wonderful contributions. Thank you for everyone who brought me food so we can continue to gather and have meals at a family with minimal effort.

As anyone can well imagine this has been a challenging week but I have been blessed with a tremendous amount of love and support by my family and friends. Everyone both grieves and heals in their own way and it been a process going through it all together. Staci has been leading the charge for Jon's memorial service. I basically follow her around and say "yes, I like this, no, I don't want to do that" and occasionally have an idea of my own. She is doing a tremendous job and we are determined to make Jon's memorial a celebration of his unique life. Levi has been here every day sorting and packing all of Jon's belongings. Both of those things would break my heart to do by myself and I will never be able to thank them enough for taking care of all it. Elizabeth tried to go back to Bellevue the Saturday after Jon's passing but ended up crying hysterically all day and returned home Sunday to spend the rest of the week with us. She is doing better but says it will be a long time until she can stop crying. Kelsey handles his grief by sleeping for days on end (just like my Dad!) but has started going back to school half days this week. My children and parents mostly hug me, feed me, hold my hand and tell me they love me. It is a huge comfort. My brother and sisters arrive Friday and I am looking forward to seeing them. A member of Jon's family checks up on my everyday and are always standing by for me should I need anything. They have also been a huge blessing

Today I am going to work today so that Jolene can have at least one day off in these past two weeks. She and my staff have been unbelievable and I appreciate everything they have done to allow me this time to be with Jon and the family. I will start back for good next Monday.

Kelsey and I have been wanting a dog for a long time and decided Sunday was the time to get a puppy and have some new life in our home. I wasn't sure it was the smartest thing to do right now but since my parents are here for a month or so they can help us with all of the initial training. His name is Marty and he is absolutely adorable. I think the companionship will be good for Kelsey and I.

Jon's Obituary

Jon E. Nichols was born on March 30, 1955, and died on Thursday, April 23, 2009. He bravely battled advanced pancreatic cancer for 2 ½ years. He died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.

Jon was the son of Nadine and Paul Nichols (deceased) of Federal Way, the current husband of Dr. Lorri A. Nichols of Lake Tapps, the former husband of Cindy Nichols of Prescott, AZ, the father of Staci Marquez-Nichols of Beaumont, CA, and of Levi Nichols of Puyallup, the brother of Steve Nichols of Federal Way, Tonya Lenting of Enumclaw, Kristi Frawley of Buckley, Dan Nichols of Tacoma, and Tim Nichols of Puyallup, the step-father of Elizabeth O’Hollaren of Bellevue and Kelsey O’Hollaren of Lake Tapps, and the grandfather of Maelie and Wyatt Nichols of Puyallup.

Jon said playing high school football was the best time of his life. He was very proud of his time serving in the Marine Corps. After the Marine Corps, he started Nichols Truck Tire and, by the time he retired, he had over 20 employees and several business locations. He was also a professional hunting guide in Alaska and a successful investor and real estate mogul.

Jon was passionate about hunting, guns, backpacking, working out, lifting weights, mountain biking, and martial arts. He loved to watch documentaries and read about history and nutrition. He enjoyed cowboy poetry, country and folk music, health food (and ice cream), telling stories and jokes, and being with his family and friends.

Jon was larger than life, a true legend. He influenced everyone who was close to him in more ways than he will ever know. He was known for his tenacity, discipline, toughness, business sense, fearlessness, adventurous spirit, connection to nature, healthy lifestyle, hearty sense of humor, and his quirky sayings and nicknames.

He will be deeply missed and remembered with honor and distinction forever.

A memorial service will be held at Brooklake Community Church in Federal Way at 10:00AM on Saturday, May 2, 2009. Donations may be made in honor of “Big Jon” to Safari Club International, Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center, or the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

“Life is not a spectator sport.” –Jon E. Nichols


The obituary will be published in the Seattle Times and Tacoma News Tribune on Sunday, April 25.

That's on Saturday, May 2.

Jon's Memorial Service will be held at Brooklake Community Church 629 S 356th St. Federal Way, WA at 10 am.

Jon passed away in my arms tonight at 10:12pm. Staci had been sitting with him playing some of his favorite music and had taken a break to get some food. I lied down and sang to him from the songs he had gifted me during our courtship.
It was peaceful and loving, just how we wanted it. Staci, Octavio, Levi, Elizabeth, Kristi, Kelsey, Ericka, Wyatt, my mom and dad were there within minutes to share the moment with us.

We are planning a memorial service next Saturday, May 2 at Brooklake Community Church in Federal Way. We will give you more information as it becomes available.

Thank you to everyone for your love, support, prayers and positive words throughout this journey. We could have never made it this far without you.

Jon had a difficult night. He seemed agitated and had difficulty breathing. I gave him oxygen and I don't think it helped much but it at least made me feel like I was doing something. I also increased the dosage of his Adavan which seemed to help a little. The Hospice nurse arrived this morning and prepared us all for the possibility of Jon's passing. When she checked him she felt that I should prepare the family for the possibility of today or tomorrow. During the night and morning Jon was moving his arms and legs and making all kinds of growling sounds...like he was trying to tell us something. The nurse told us that when people go through the process of dying that they spend their time thinking of their lives and remember not only the good, but the regrets that they may have had. They also worry that the people they love are not ready to let them go. She felt that it was important that we all let him know that we are OK with his passing and that each of us will be able to go on without him, that we love and appreciate him, and forgive him for anything he might have done that was hurtful. Staci and I called all of the family and everyone in the area came over and had some private time with Jon. Cindy called and talked to him on the telephone. Once each of spoke with him personally we all congregated in the bedroom and Staci led us in a prayer. It was a beautiful moment and brought tears to everyone's eyes.

Jon seemed much more relaxed after both the individual and group sessions. The nurse also provided us with some additional medications for relaxation. The family all spent the day and continued to visit with Jon throughout the afternoon. Tony not only cooked dinner but with Dan's help also fixed my broken barbq. Around 7:30 the rest of the family headed home and Staci, Levi, Ericka, Octavio, Wyatt, Liz, Kelsey, my mom and dad remain. Jon has stopped growling, flailing and seems to be resting comfortable. His breathing is labored and gurgling but he finally seems at peace.

Jon rested comfortably all day today. Staci and Octavio arrived early in the morning to take over nursing duties. Kelsey stayed home from school and he and I ran some errands and had lunch together at our favorite spot. More family and friends came by to visit with Jon and spent the afternoon and evening. Today Jon actually opened his eyes a few times and acknowledged his visitors from time to time. He even managed an "I love you, Pooh." when I gave him his most recent dose of meds.

He received his last rights today at Granny's request and everyone felt that the ceremony was meaningful. I can't imagine being in Granny's place and admire her strength and perseverance.

Sandy arrived early this morning with large crock pot full of soup to feed all the troops throughout the day. Tonya came by with more of her famous cookies.
Kristi brought me a beautiful bouquet of tulips. My mom cooked her delicious breaded chicken. Dan and Levi called me first thing this morning asking me exactly what I want and need for today.

Tonight Levi and I worked on making and mailing statements to Jon's properties so that he, Ericka and Staci can begin to assume some of the responsibilities that are ahead of them.

Wyatt was here most of the afternoon and evening to give us all our dose of "Baby Chi"

I don't even know who all to thank anymore. All I know is whatever Jon and I need there is some family member or friend standing there to provide it.

Jon slept comfortably all night. I think we finally have found the right combination of the right drugs. I had requested IV morphine yesterday but the doctor said that his veins have become inaccessible and that he cannot have another port due to the high risk of infection from the last one. All the meds but the oxycotin are liquid or topical and need to be given every two hours. I had the night shift, Staci will be over today for the day shift while I sleep.

Nearly all of the family had an opportunity to visit yesterday and I am grateful for their support and the opportunity for everyone to pay Jon their last respects. My parents are here and Elizabeth spent the night last night with us. I ended up falling asleep on the couch holding Kelsey and Elizabeth's hands (well at least between the 10pm and 12 am medication doses). I am hoping that the next few days are quite, loving and peaceful for Jon.

Thank you all for your continued prayers, kind words, and support.

Jon slept comfortably until about 11 am when all hell broke lose for the second time. I was going to lie down and take a nap with him until the nurse arrived and he was not due for an oxycotin until 12. He seemed to be getting a little restless so I thought I would give it to him a little early. The nurse had sent me double the milligrams by cab but even that was not enough to make a dent in his pain. Thankfully, Kristi arrived right around that time and was able to help me get him to the bathroom (where he was determined to go with or without us), call the nurse and get as many meds down him as possible. It was terrible to see him suffer like that. Finally with a combination the new liquid and topical forms of medication we were able to get him comfortable and back in bed. He is sleeping and under heavy sedation.

The Train Derails

Jon continued to have an excellent day on Monday. Martin spent the night so he and Jon went out for breakfast before Martin caught his plan to guide in Alaska. I took a long lunch to take Jon to some appointments the brought him back to my office for a one hour massage. My parents picked him up and they took him to all the local sporting goods stores to find a double-barreled shot gun for Wyatt and then to Dairy Queen for Peanut Buster Parfaits.

We all arrived home around the same time and when I walked in the door Jon was talking on his phone a yelled "Quick Doc, get me a long one (oxycotin)." By the time I got there with the medication he was doubled over in pain. I got him up to bed and gave him another 20mg of oxycodone, none of which touched the pain. No matter what position he tried to move he experienced severe, sharp pain in his right lower abdomen. I called the hospice hotline and they were able to send the nurse out within an hour or so. The longest hours of our life. I continued to give Jon more and different meds per the nurses instructions but they only seemed to make him dopey but not alleviate his pain. Any time he moved it was the same searing pain. When the nurse finally arrived she evaluated him and found his stomach hard and distended. Jon kept telling me he thought his ascites was improving but my mom and I both thought it was looking worse since the return from the camping trip. His abdomen also went from soft and squishy to hard and tight. The doctor had discontinued his lasix and spirolactone (diuretics) last week because his blood pressure was dangerously low. The nurse checked it tonight and we decided to give him those meds to take some of the pressure off his abdomen. She catheterized him and got him in a comfortable position. He slept through the night and was so dopey at 4 am when his next pain meds were do I had a very difficult time getting them down. I think we may need to switch to a patch or IV for pain meds if this doesn't improve quickly. A call has been place to Dr. Lin and his regular nurse will be out today. They are not sure what exactly is causing this pain but are going to rule-out appendicitis with bloodwork today. We know that his cancer has spread to his abdominal cavity and it is possible the pain is a combination of cancer and pressure from ascites. I should know more by noon today.

Jon's Hospice Party

Only Jon Nichols can turn Hospice into one big, continuous party! When the Hospice nurse visited for the first time you could tell by her words and demeanor that not only did she expect Jon to never get out of bed, but also to not be around for more then a few weeks. Wasn't she surprised when she visited last Thursday to find Jon up and walking around the living room and rushing her out the door so we could get on with our day. Now don't get me wrong, he is still skinny, weak, and sometimes confused, but he is determined to continue to live his life to the fullest, whatever that may be.

He enjoyed his camping trip this weekend but called me every hour to come out and join them. Of course, I told him 100 times that I had an office event that we had been planning for 6 months and was unable to take the day off to join him. I also finally was able to get out on my bike with Lori and Mari on a beautiful Sunday morning for the first time this year, it was wonderful and therapeutic. Nevertheless, Jon and company had a great time. Thanks especially to Tony and Jake for organizing everything to make it a success and to Levi for making it out there with Maelie even after a long week of work, working early Saturday morning, and being all around a fantastic son.

After camp broke up Jon and the Bartran clan headed further into the mountains to do some shooting. I received a call from him in the early afternoon that our friend, Martin would be in town for the next 24 hours and that he and the 6 Bartan's would be joining us for dinner. Dave and Meg Bartran live near Vantage with their four boys and were gracious to drive Jon all the way home before heading back to Eastern Washington. Martin arrived around 4 and had a good visit with Kelsey before everyone else showed up. The rest of the gang arrived an hour or so later and the party begin. Martin is a talented musician and entertained us all while my parents and I prepared dinner for 13. Jon called Rex to join us and he arrived just in time for dinner. My dad sang some Johnny Cash with Martin, while I joined him for a variety of songs after dinner. It turned into quite the festive evening and Jon seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself.

Jon continues to buy camping gear and plan hunting trips. Just in case anyone is wondering, Jon has far from given up. They are all going camping again next weekend. My home is a continuous flow of family, friends, and assorted visitors. My parents have been a tremendous help in every way and I am grateful for their extended visit.

Today was another good day for Jon. He woke up fairly early, cooperatively took his meds, and ate a good breakfast. We spent the morning taking care of more medical and legal issues then had lunch in Enumclaw at The Mint (another favorite in the early years of our dating). When we returned home Tonya, Kristi, Ann, and Dorsal came by for a visit and Dorsal and Jon went to Sportco for more camping supplies while Tonya, Tony and Ann made dinner. Kelsey and I went to our counseling appointment which was fairly helpful but by the time we got home Kelsey had a migraine headache and went to bed after an adjustment and some biofreeze.

Tony, Levi and Jon are definitely going on this camping trip and I am hearing rumors of the Bartran Clan joining them. I have to work on Saturday for our Spring Into Health event and Kelsey is committed to yard work. I am sending Jon with all his meds and instructions under the care of Levi and Tony. My parents arrive tonight and we are thrilled to have them staying with us. Everyone keeps asking me how long they will be here and I respond, "Until I tell them they can go home."

Yesterday we changed some of Jon's meds to reduce the ammonia in his blood stream, move his bowels, raise his blood pressure, and treat the thrush in his mouth. He awoke this morning feeling pretty darn good. He got out of bed, took his meds and went downstairs to make breakfast. Cathy Mortell arrived at 8:15 for instructions and her day of Jon-sitting. After she made him breakfast he had her drive him all over the creation to get a haircut, shop for more hunting, camping gear, get a massage, etc, etc. They stopped by my office where we had lunch with our friend Diane Lane who stopped by for an adjustment and some moral support. We always call Cathy our friend who is "crazy in a good way" and she proved true to her reputation by keeping us all laughing today.

Although Jon still is somewhat confused, lost his wallet, cell phone, etc. etc. (we retrieved both) this is probably the best day he's had in a long time. This morning he asked me why there is currently no treatment plan for him and then commented that he thinks there actually hasn't been for a long time. I reminded him that Dr. Lin had wanted to start the platinum based chemo initially but Jon was too sick and weak. Then he tried to start the Gemzar but that day Jon's blood chemstries were off the charts and there is no doubt in the doctors or my eyes that a chemotherapy that day would have killed him. I did however, also remind him that Dr. Lin did say that if he regained his strength and his blood chemistries normalized through hospice that he would reconsider more active treatment. Jon wants everyone to know that he hasn't given up the fight and probably never will.

He's trying to talk Levi into a camping trip this weekend....

I've probably said this every day for weeks, but today was another emotional and eventful day. It began with a meeting between me, Jon, Staci, Levi and our estate planning attorney, Dan Farr. Although it's important and appropriate to discuss all these details it is always very difficult for each of us. I did my first will many years ago when my children were small and I wasn't faced with a serious illness. It takes on such a different context when you think you could die next week, next month, or next year. I am appreciative that we all had the opportunity to sit down together and come to an understanding of Jon's wishes and the content of his will.

Next, we all went out for breakfast at The Kettle in Enumclaw which is one of the Nichols families favorite places and an early breakfast date for Jon and I when we first started dating. We returned home in time to meet with the social worker who discussed any family, social or emotional needs that we might have. She provided with information on how to proceed at the time of Jon's death and how to plan a funeral. Thankfully, Staci is taking on some of the leg work on that for me. It seems morbid, sad and I just can't do it right now but I know Staci is right and we need to be prepared when the time comes. I am appreciative that she is willing to do this. Levi stayed most of the afternoon and had was sent with a list of errands from Jon for the rest of the day.

Next came them home-visit nurse. She discovered Jon's blood pressure had dropped to 60/40 and immediately called his oncologist to make some adjustments in his medications. They are stopping the lasix and nanadol and adding some new drug that is supposed to diminish the ammonia in his blood so he can think more clearly and help his bowels move along. Of course nothing is simple, Staci and Kristi stopped to get it on the way to the airport and the pharmacist didn't have all the information they needed to fill the appropriate prescriptions. I just received a call from the nurse that everything is ready to go and I can pick it up while Jake and Ann are here with Jon. Tony, Kristi and Tonya all stopped by today, too.

Jon continues to buy sporting goods equipment and planning camping trips. He remains determined to beat this thing. I have to admire his tenacity. Tony figured the worst case scenario is that we can set up his new wall tent in the back yard and spend the night with him out there! He also asks me every time I give him a pain pill why I just don't find a doctor who will cut out that huge tumor!? I told him I've been trying for the last 2 1/2 years and so far don't have any takers. He is and will always remain quite a character.

Tomorrow Cathy Mortell is Jon-sitting, Tonya is lined up for Thursday so Kelsey and I can do a marathon counseling session and Kristi is on for Friday. With any luck my parents will be here by Thursday night and we can settle into some type of routine.

As always, thank you to everyone for all of the phone calls, text messages and emails. I know that I suck at returning them but I truly have my hands full with juggling all this. I appreciate every one of you and will answer you when time allows.

Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.-- Brad Henry

I feel like it has been weeks since I've written anything so much seems to be happening so fast. Since Friday there has been a trail of friends and family traveling through our home.

Kristi was kind enough to arrive early on Saturday morning to allow me time for a bike ride which always helps me maintain my sanity. I then was able to visit Maelie at the hospital to give her her Easter Basket (she got out today and is doing fine) and finally got myself a haircut. When I returned home Staci, Kristi, Tony Tonya, Kyle, Levi, Ericka and Wyatt were there for our Easter Eve celebration. I've learned every holiday must have an eve associated with it if we are going to make the rounds with all the families. Since I was cooking Easter dinner on Sunday we all settled for frozen lasagna, salad and french bread with hot berry pie and ice cream for dessert. Not bad for a quick, thrown together dinner.

When I first arrived home Jon was in bed with Kristi, Tonya and Staci rubbing his back and skin brushing his feet. He really has quite a harem going. We were following all of the medication instructions and I would say Jon was definitely not in pain but boy oh boy was he loopy. He is quite humorous when he's all doped up but we decided on Sunday to back things down a bit to provide a bit more lucidity.

We managed to make it to church on Sunday morning albeit a half hour late. After church Elizabeth, Kelsey, Nadine and William Mortell did the customary Easter Egg hunt. Liz was the lucky one to find the golden egg with the $20. Cathy and I made dinner while Jon and Bill did some visiting. (I'm not sure what all Jon said but I warned Bill in advance it might not make much sense). It was great having my kids together at home for the first time in a long time and the Mortell family is always a blast.

Staci spent the evening with us and she and Jon were able to catch up on some things. She will be back tomorrow along with Rex to take care of Jon while I work.

Kelsey is still up and down. What seems to overwhelm him the most is all the conflict in emotion and the sadness feels when he sees Jon so weak and disoriented. We are receiving lots of support from his friends and their parents and we are both scheduling massage and counseling appointments this week.

Levi and Erika were able to spend Easter with Ericka's family and today was to be the big day for Wyatts first taste of rice cereal. Maelie was out of the hospital in time to spend part of Easter with them, too. Levi's stress level is still running high and I wish there was more I could do to minimize it for them.

I just took a hot bath and am ready to give Jon his nightly skin brushing. The hospice nurse visits again tomorrow.

Last but not least, Audrey is home from the doggie hospital and snuggled up with Elizabeth at home :)

PS

Thank you to everyone for your many phone calls, text messages and emails. I am too overwhelmed right now to answer you all individually but I want you to know that the love and support of my friends and family is what has and continues to sustain me.

Hospice

Today was another eventful day. Krist was here first thing in the morning with a extra hot latte for me and a mango vivano for Jon. I went into work for a few hours just to get the necessities done and was home by 11 to meet with the Hospice nurse. She was very kind and informative. We discussed our goals (managing Jon's pain, improving his appetite.) She went over his meds and was absolutely mortified to find that the last pharmacy had given him the wrong long acting Oxycontin, instead it was just a higher dose of the short acting that he was already taken. The way it was labeled was absolutely impossible to tell the difference until she looked at the pills themselves. So basically he has been under medicated all last week. No wonder he has been so miserable! I thought the nurse was actually going to break into tears knowing how much Jon has been suffering. She held his hand, looked him in the eye and said "Jon, you don't have to hurt like this." She phoned in the correct prescriptions and Granny and Steve picked them up for me on their way to visit.

We started him on the new dose of long-acting Oxycontin and he had some immediate improvement in his pain. He is very loopy and confused...he even tried to get me to put his suspenders on his address book??!! but he does not have any pain to speak of. I gave him a bath (yikes was that bathwater black!), a good skin brushing, and a bowl of ice cream with strawberries. He is the most relaxed I have seen him in months. He is being very sweet and appreciative. When he was in the tub he looked at me and said "Doc, I can't believe how beautiful you are." It nearly made me cry.

Kristi continues to be our angel. She spent the day helping with Jon, fed us dinner, and is now on the way to pick up Staci from the airport.

Kelsey is feeling overwhelmed with emotion and is processing in his own way...time alone and the time with his friends. He says he's OK and dealing with it all but I worry constantly about him.

Levi just returned from the hospital where Maelie was just admitted for intestinal ileacus. She has been vomiting and in pain all week. Emilie has had her back and forth to the doctors who finally admitted her today for tests. They are planning on keeping her overnight for IV fluids and bowel rest. Levi, Ericka, and Wyatt are all snuggled at home for a little bit of piece and quite. Today was Ericka's day for a complete meltdown and Levi was right behind her.

Elizabeth has stopped vomiting but her little dog Audrey is very sick from being neutered earlier this week. She is currently taking her from the regular vet to the emergency vet for constant monitoring over the weekend. Please add our little dog to our long, long list of prayer request.

The hospice nurse expects that Jon will be pretty loopy for about three days but then seriously expects him to be more functional when he gets used to the higher dose of oxycodone/Oxycontin. I am really appreciating the pain being under control and the turn-around in his demeanor. It makes me cry to think he has been suffering like this needlessly. I am hoping for a few better days ahead.

As for me, I am just putting one foot in front of the other.

I'm back for now

Hi everyone. It's been a while since I have had anything to say. Mostly because I have been having a complete emotional, physical and psychological breakdown. I had some time with my family back east (my sister, Barbara and her family) and I have now regrouped and am able to move forward with this most difficult portion of our lives.

Jon has been slipping rapidly in the last few weeks. He is very confused and paranoid (secondary to liver failure and narcotics) and in tremendous pain. He sleeps 20 hours a day and for the last week could maybe get up for a few hours to do some work at his desk or watch TV. Monday and Tuesday seemed the usual, but on Wed he slipped to a much more serious level. When I left for work I had asked him if he wanted some breakfast. He replied, "No, I'll get up in an hour and make it myself" (his usual MO). When I called to check on him at lunch he said that he hadn't been up, needed to eat, couldn't get up to feed himself, and hadn't taken any pain meds. I started calling family members to help and was able to reach our niece, Ann Lenting, who was close by and went over to feed Jon. When I came home form work he shared a light dinner with me of cheese, crackers and fruit then went to be early. His pain was reasonably under control at that point.

In the middle of the night he awoke in pain and said, "Doc, I just can't take this anymore. I hurt all of the time, I can't think and I can't get out of bed." I asked him what I could do for him and he said "End it". I cried all night and we lamented the fact that we both thought we could beat anything together but as Jon says, "It is what it is." I had to chuckle when right before we fell back asleep he said, "Maybe I'll feel better in the morning." Every day since he has been diagnosed he kept thinking that one day he would wake up and feel better, like when you've had a bad flu for a week.

This morning we had an appointment for blood draw, Dr. Linn and chemotherapy. It was apparent that he was really weak and fortunately Kristi accompanied us to the visit. The blood draw was first and then we saw the doctor. Jon's blood chemistry's were so bad that the doctor refused the chemo. I told him that Jon has had difficulty controlling his pain and I did not think the oral meds were adequate. At that point the doctor asked if we had considered in home Hospice. I asked him to explain exactly what that meant and basically we would have a nurse come to our home twice a week to manage IV meds for Jon (dialauded, his favorite) and address any medical, home or social needs that we have. We have an appointment with the hospice nurse tomorrow morning.

Jon received IV hydration and the meds that bind his elevated calcium so hopefully tomorrow he will be a little more cognizant. We came home and he immediately went to bed. Tonya and Tony came over to make dinner and Levi, Ericka, and Wyatt came by for dinner and a visit. Just to add to the drama of the day Elizabeth ended up with violent food poisoning and her teacup Yorkie was sick after surgery on Monday. Kelsey went up to Bellevue to take care of his sister and get her dog back to the hospital. He should be home any minute.

Right now we are all just physically and emotionally exhausted. My Mom and Dad are on there way out as soon as they can get a flight as is Staci. Hospice will provide us some support but we are now organizing friends and family members to sit with Jon 24/7. I can do most of it, but still need to work MWF so we are working out a schedule for those days.

Thanks for everyone who telephoned today, I'm sorry but I just wasn't up for much conversation. I am on my way to bed for the night.

Thanks to everyone for your continued prayer and support.

An email I received today from Gus and Koreen Lamoureaux

COURAGE

Lorri,

Koreen and I just wanted to drop you a note and let you know that we have read Jon's blog from just about day one. We feel kind of helpless being so far away and both wish we were in the area to help out. I have called a couple of times but worry that maybe I depress Jon because eventually the conversation turns to his health. From reading the blog I can tell his health is slipping and just wanted you to give Jon a hug for us and wanted to let you know how courageous we think you are for standing by a man you knew for a very short time prior to his getting seriously ill. You will always be a hero to us.

As for jon a short life is probably inevitable so tell him when he gets to the other side to have a big one all tracked down for me. I'll be looking to shoot something.
I hope you keep up the hard work and that God gives you the stamina to see this through no matter the out come. I keep praying for that miracle, hopefully, it is just slow to come. Take care.

Love,

Gus and Koreen Lamoureux