Feeding tube in

While we're on vacation, my dad saw his doctor that gave my mom and dad the bad news that it is going fast and that he doesn't expect Dad to live beyond December.  We were thinking August, so that's better than we thought!  His oxygen levels are down to 40ish, so he got his feeding tube in on Friday.  Mom is getting used to it.  She doesn't like it, but she's getting there!  My dad decided that since the doctor said he's dying that he's going to work harder to live longer!  So, he's eating healthier, and doesn't want to eat things that could choke him.  I'm super excited that he's trying!

He can move a little more!

On Friday night, most of us got together to learn more about what we can do to help out my Dad.  The lady that came had a husband with ALS that died three and a half years ago.  She told us how awesome massaging oils could be for their hands, feet, and legs.  She also talked about working his range of motion, to keep from cycling in.  My brother had my dad try some things and he could scratch his nose!  It's been months!  He also could "clap" his hands and pick his elbows off the bed!  Seriously awesome!  My mom taped it and posted it, so we could see it!  I almost cried!  I'm so proud of him trying!  I'm also glad my brother asked!  I love helping my dad whenever I can!  He is a great Dad and Papaw!

What I keep telling myself

I keep telling myself how lucky we are, because although his ALS is moving fast, it's still a lot slower than a sudden death when we wouldn't get a chance to say goodbye.  So many people don't get the chance to say goodbye, and we do everyday.  We never know when it's going to be too much.  When he gets sick and his body can't handle it.  When his lungs stop working or he can no longer swallow.  He's supposed to get the tube inserted into his stomach in the next couple of weeks.  He's excited to put his medicine in that way, so he doesn't have to taste those rascals!  He's a lot mad at the list of things they told him to stop eating-white flour anything, white poultry meat, nuts...  Basically, most of my dad's favorite foods.  He said forget it, I'm dying anyway, I don't want to starve!  It won't be much longer before he can't eat, but no matter what he's not eating applesauce!  He really doesn't like applesauce!  My mom ordered a communication device for him that will track his eye movements (or something like that).  He's pretty excited about that!  My sister found a wheelchair bound clothing website, where his Father's Day gifts will be coming from!  It's so hard to buy for him!  I'm excited about this!