Today's Phone Calls

Dr. Garrido called saying that they would be able to put a stent in to support the passage from the stomach to the intestines. It depends on whether he would want to do it or not. Layne doesn't want to do the feeding tube that would be attached to bypass the stomach. If he were to do the procedure, it would mean he could eat - instead of doing just liquids. It also might improve quality of life - but, would probably not extend his life. We get to make so many fun decisions around here.
He also had a call from the company that will be handling his hospice care. I'm not sure what was set up for that. We'll see what the future holds.

Another 'This Week'

There has been so much happening lately that I'll just do a brief overview and get to the details at a later date. It feels like I did that last time as well. There's just not as much time to write as I'd like. Last time I covered last week - this time - I'll do this week. Shocker. So...August 9-15
We've had Layne's folks here, so they started out the week with us. Sunday we had a great family discussion about some of Layne's life. The main topics were all of the jobs he's had through the years and his involvement with music. (We even got out his trumpet.)
Monday wasn't very eventful. I attempted to get a couple of things done. In an effort to take care of myself, I made past due appointments with the dentist and chiropractor. Layne and I did a couple of brief errands and we had our Family Home Evening with Layne's folks here.
Tuesday we had Layne's appointment with his oncologist. We walked out with Layne being put on hospice care. It also meant saying good-bye to the fabulous team that's worked with him for the past several years. Obviously, more about that later. We then headed to take care of some details with the loan on Layne's truck before finishing with another errand. I went to the dentist to pick up and have the fit checked on my new mouth guard. (I could share the story about the original one at another time as well.) I then went to REI to look for some needed shoes - no luck. But, I did find a couple of deals at Savers before heading home. While I was gone he had a couple of friends he had worked with come and talk with him.
Wednesday brought Keri and Jenny (Layne's sisters) here. We were glad to be able to have them here to join their parents. I spent my afternoon at the chiropractor, the grocery store, and filling up the gas tank on the van. I came home just in time to quickly put groceries away and get ready for dinner at Costa Vida. We came home and Layne took the boys to Young Men.
Thursday morning we headed over to the Jordan River Temple for a session with Layne and I, Layne's folks, and his sisters. Great experience. We came back and had Frank, Diane, and Pam (Hunsakers) come for a visit. I didn't talk long - I took Jacob over to meet up with the group he was going backpacking with this week-end and then took the other kids to the zoo (free day through my health insurance).
Today the Williams crew left at 4:30 AM. I've attempted again to get some things done. The girls went to 'free lunch' for one of the last times this summer, went to splash pads with some cousins, and then were home just for a minute before heading to see even more cousins for a 'late over' this evening. Jonny was going to go with a group up to a cabin for an overnight trip - but, decided not to go (when he realized he didn't know anyone there). He went to one of the latest 'Marvel' movies with his Dad instead. (I'm hoping that all works out - I was a little concerned about him driving and I don't know how comfortable a theatre seat is going to be for him for that long.) Jacob is still backpacking and I am home all by myself. So very quiet.
Tomorrow there will be an errand or two - but, nothing too pressing.
It's been great to see relatives this week. It's also been hard to share more good-byes.
This coming week will bring more time with relatives, meeting with someone from the funeral home, and traveling to the cemetery to choose our spots. We're also trying to get some financial details in place. And, Layne has plans to meet up with a couple of friends from work - a few to play some games - and another couple of them for lunch (on a liquid diet?).
As I'm reviewing this (and as I wrote it) I realized that it was more about just what we've been doing instead of focusing on what is going on with Layne. I'm hoping that still works. I know the blog is more focused on what's going on with the cancer. But, this time I just ended up with more random details - the day to day routine.

This Week

Sunday I shared my testimony in church and had a few people kindly comment and offer help...with Layne being in a bit of pain. Monday I took Layne to the Acute Care Clinic at Huntsman. There was also a family that unexpectedly brought dinner to our home while we were gone. On Tuesday, we had a family discussion about what happened at the hospital the day before and what it meant. I also went to a bridal shower for my niece. Wednesday was another appointment at the hospital and Layne doing paperwork, cleaning out his desk, and saying good-bye to the crew he's worked with for the past 4.5 years. (He also made it to Young Men/youth group with the boys.) Thursday we cleaned out a couple of things and Layne's folks arrived to visit for a few days. Friday will be more appointments for the clinical trial he's doing - one of them being a scan. (He'll meet with the oncologist the beginning of next week.)

Pioneers

This morning at breakfast our nine year old randomly commented that it would be hard to be a pioneer. When I asked her why she responded with; "They had to keep going when someone died.". I agreed.
I'm not sure if she was thinking of her Dad or not when she came up with that - but, it sure brought the thought to my mind. We're going to do our best to move forward without our husband and father here with us.

Another ACC Visit

I took Layne to the hospital yesterday (8/3). We were at the Acute Care Clinic at Huntsman. He was in a lot of pain. They did a scan and found that his stomach is distended. The space where the stomach empties has been narrowed by a tumor that is wrapped around it. So, there are two factors involved. The stomach being where it is also makes it hard to breathe. The doctor compared it to being pregnant and not having much room to breathe. He was also having some minor issues with getting dizzy and his heart feeling out of sorts. There was an explanation for that as well. He's now attempting a mostly liquid diet so it'll be easier for the stomach to do it's job and for the contents to pass easier into the intestines. It will just be small amounts throughout the day. I'm hoping something works for him. He's lost 10-12 pounds over the last couple of weeks.
They gave him something for the pain and some fluids. He now has a little different pain management system set up for everyday use.:} We'll see how it goes. I'm not sure I've ever seen him in so much pain.

Coming Soon

"It's coming soon." This is what I heard from Layne this morning as he was getting dressed. I didn't even need to ask what he was talking about. The thoughts in my head lately and the expression on his face somehow connected and I knew exactly what he meant. My eyes teared up a bit (then, and now as I'm writing) as he made comments about feeling weaker and needing to find a burial plot. I don't want to think about life without him and yet we both know that he doesn't have very much longer.
Something happened awhile ago that made me realize the end was near. Since then I've known that we are at the beginning of the end.
It's a little silly that I have been asking questions of Layne for years about planning his funeral and figuring out a burial plot. Oddly enough, he hasn't wanted to discuss the topic or come close to making a decision. He's still not thrilled about it - but, it can't be put off any longer. As with so many other things, now is the time.

Helping Hands

A neighbor/friends came to our house this morning to ask for help with the tire on their vehicle. They had driven about a block. I don't think they thought about Layne not being able to help...or, the fact that the rest of us don't have much knowledge about fixing tires. So, Layne went to instruct and the boys helped with the manpower. I think it's time to learn more about vehicles and how they work.
I'm grateful they asked. There's not much requested of us these days. So, it's good to know someone thought we would be willing to help.