from Morag

" Hi ,

I've received quite a few e-mails and phone messages
asking how Rob is faring at the moment so I thought
I'd put fingers to keyboard and send out one of my up-dates.

This is a difficult one.

I've just left Rob for the night in the Marie Curie Hospice.
He's been there since Thursday 21st June,
when he asked to go in for respite care.
Rob had been deteriorating pretty rapidly
since the previous Thursday
when he had a fall with a seizure.
We called the district nurse
and a care programme was put into action.
We had carers in the mornings
and evenings to help with personal care
and we had Marie Curie nurses
in at night to care for Rob
and to give me a chance to get some rest.
On Wednesday 20th June,
Rob lost the power in both legs
and was unable to take any of his body weight.
He was also becoming confused
about what time of day it was (sundowners syndrome).
I could no longer cope on my own with him.
This came as a huge blow to both of us,
but not unexpected.
Care at the Marie Curie,
as with all of Rob's other care up until now
has been excellent and although he has continued to deteriorate,
we have plans in place to have him back home on Tuesday.
Hospital bed, electric hoist, etc have been delivered.
Carers and nurses booked.
Rob is not naive. He knows we are reaching
the final stages of this journey
and he wants to be home at the end
and he wants to see his new grandchild.
I believe he will do both.
Those who have had contact with Rob recently
will know that he has developed a liberated sense of humour -
in the mode of Chic Murray, almost.
His comment to one nurse when she told him
that he didn't exactly have a small bum was
" Oh yes I have. She's at home and her name's Morag!!"-
I know he loves me !!
Keep your fingers crossed, say your prayers,
throw salt over your shoulder- whatever it takes -
but send us your vibes so that Rob achieves his wish
and sees this new baby.
Sarah and I need your support.

Lots of Love,
Morag "

Link to http://www.brainhospice.com/