Maria slept for about an hour before waking around 9:30pm. She then stayed up watching TV until 3:30am with me on the lounge next to her, dozing in/out of sleep. After getting her to bed, she only slept until 7:00am. Given the last couple of weeks of these types of sleep patterns and the busyness of the days, I have struggled with fatigue more often than hoped.
The kids went off with Brian and their cousins for a day of fun in kayaks and swimming, but not before Brian helped me to dismantle Maria's bed in preparation for the delivery of a hospital bed and lifter.
One of the Home Based Palliative Care (HBPC) nurses came and we discussed a catheter for Maria. A nurse from the community arrived just in time to assist. Maria was so excited to have the catheter inserted, making the nurses laugh. I too was very happy as it means 6-10 less transfers a day that will minimise wear and tear to my back, neck and shoulders.
The HBPC nurse invited Maria to spend a couple of weeks at the Hospice. Maria was very happy to do so. She said she'd call later in the day to advise a date and to arrange for their volunteers to contact me for in-home respite care (later confirmed the stay at the Hospice will be from 8-Feb).
The nurses' visit was followed by one from the hospital's equipment loan staff to install the hospital bed and lifter, as well as provide some other items.
No time to rest as the community cancer social worker and another person came to discuss other assistance that can be provided, such as showering.
This was followed by a visit from a doctor from the Hospice. She was here for a couple of hours getting all the background from me before seeing Maria.
Maria sat on the recliner after dinner. She became quite tired and wanted to go to bed. As I was transferring her to the wheelchair she missed the chair and ended up (softly) on the ground. After an unsuccessful phone call to one friend, the kids went across the road to neighbours for help. It didn't take much with two of us involved to get Maria sorted (thanks Lee).
The hospital bed has a special air mattress that sounds like Darth Vader breathing when you press heavily on it. It is extremely comfortable and will help Maria in many ways including reducing the risk of bed sores. The machine that keeps the mattress inflated has a low hum to it. Shouldn't be an issue, especially as Maria sleeps with ear plugs.
Here's praying for a better as the catheter should remove the stress of her waking in a panic and then having to urgently call me to get her to the toilet.
