My son-in-law is being sent home from the hospital tomorrow but not because he's recovered. His cancer has reached the stage where there isn't anything more that medical science can do for him so he is going to spend his final days in his own home.
Two years ago David was a powerfully built man of 46 who helped out in any way possible during my husband's illness and death. We had barely begun the healing process of losing my husband when David was diagnosed with kidney cancer. He had the kidney removed and enjoyed a full year of good health until the next diagnosis...the cancer had spread to other parts of his body. It was something that had been feared all along but we had begun to believe he'd be one of the lucky ones because he was doing so well.
It's a known fact that once cancer has spread beyond the primary spot it is difficult to stop and this time was no exception. Despite filling his body with massive doses of deadly drugs the cancer continued to grow.
David has spent almost 2 weeks in the hospital and his condition has failed greatly. The cancer is relentless. But tomorrow he comes home and will be nursed by his loving family until he passes away. He'll be surrounded by the people he loves and also his beloved dogs. Believe it or not, this is the best way we could ever hope for to leave this world.
A hospital bed has already been set up in preparation for his return, professional nursing care is in place, and his family is ready for him.
My daughter asked the doctor how it will all end and was told that David's organs will begin to shut down and his breathing will become erratic until it finally stops. This isn't new to us because we nursed my husband right up to his death and that's what happened then.
Death never seems to come when we are ready for it but when our days are done and it's time to leave this life we should all be as fortunate as David. He'll be in his own home, with his family and dogs, and free of pain.
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