Hello~

I just received a call from Mandy and she asked me to send out this update.

She and Chris have signed all of the hospice paperwork, including the DNR order, and Chris will be coming home on hospice in a few days. They have confirmed with the doctors and with the hospice representatives that Chris can be readmitted to Baylor at any time, should the need arise. The doctors are in the process of getting Chris' pain medications settled -- getting him off the IV and onto oral medicines -- and will watch him for a few days to make sure the meds are taking care of his pain, then they will release him to come home. Last night was the first night without the IV and he did fine, so Mandy feels like they have found a good combination of medicines that will prevent him from being in pain.

Over the next couple of days, they will work with Physical Therapy to make sure that Mandy can help Chris at home. When they do leave the hospital, Chris will be transported by ambulance to the house, and the hospice nurses will be there to get him settled.

The doctor prescribed antidepressants for Chris late last week and Mandy said that she can definitely tell a difference in his attitude and in his "fight" since then. He has not had any nausea since last week and is able to eat a small portion of each of his meals. He is also working with PT much more willingly.

Mandy will keep us updated about when the doctor plans to release Chris to come home. In the meantime, please continue to pray for their strength -- spiritual, emotional and physical -- as they prepare themselves for this.

Thank you,
Kathie