The hardest blog of all

This is the blog that I hoped I would never have to write.  Ernie’s symptoms have been progressing rapidly despite the chemotherapy.  Because of this, the oncologist ordered another scan.  Unfortunately, the scan showed that the tumors in his throat and lymph nodes are all growing. 

Effective Sunday, we withdrew from chemotherapy and entered hospice care.  Right now, Ernie is at the Kate B Reynolds Hospice Home where they are working on pain and symptom management.   In two or three days, when these things are under control, we will return home for the duration.  We are hoping for some good days when Ernie could receive visitors but we will have to play that by ear. 

My apologies to all of you who have written, called, emailed and texted.  Ernie’s symptoms have progressed so rapidly that we have struggled to keep up.  We are so grateful your concern and attention.  It helps us tremendously to know that we are not in this alone.