thanks
"Hurry up and feel better......as I need Colt Commercial build questions answered;)"
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All ears Sam. Thank you for another update.
Wanted to repost a pic of Chuck on here so we can be visually reminded of the man we are all praying and pulling for. Praying this day is better.
http://www.charlespetrie.com/images/ac.jpg
From Terri via email. Nothing tremendously different from what Sam posted except a bit more recent detail. I really hope his heart is just grumpy due to too little physical activity.
"Hi Tav,
Just wanted to give you a heads up on what's happening here. Chuck started having serious pain last night around 11pm and told me he thought I should call 911 as the chest pain was terrible. I knew it had to be serious for him to say that... he usually fights me tooth and nail to avoid going to the doc. The ambulance came and took him in. They said he was having a heart attack and took him in for a cath and a CT scan to check for blood clots. They found nothing. His pain was the worst I've ever seen for a good four hours. I had to fight to get enough pain meds for him, as his cardiologist was not familiar with cancer patients apparently. I had to call his nurse case manager from Fort Bragg at 3am and she was amazing all night helping get things taken care of for him to have what he needed.
They really don't know what it is, but ruled out the major stuff. They let him go home and we've been home an hour or so. The hospice nurse is here getting his IV pump for the pain meds set up correctly. He's feeling much better now that he's home and can be in his own bed. The meds have kicked in too.
Thank you and all the guys for your incredible support and caring for Chuck. I wanted you to know what's up.
Blessings,
Terri"
Tav/Safetyhit:
That's great to hear that Chuck is resting and the meds are working.
I'd like to add that we should not forget one very, very wonderful person that we all should pray for is Mrs. AC/Chuck's wife/Terri :)
She's an angel, his primary caretaker, lover, wife and wonderful mother. It is not easy taking care of a spouse that has this horrible disease. The toll on her is tremendous, she not only has to do her outside work/job, but taking care of Chuck full time, maintain a household and taking care of her family.
I've walked a few small steps in her shoes while my honey was recovering from knee surgery, that was only three months. But it took all of my energy to keep it all together. She herself had to take care of her late husband for years as he was suffering from heart disease. I've witnessed my own dad's last four months when he was dying from cancer. The physical and mental toll on my brother and mother were more than I could handle.
The main thing is don't forget the caretaker in your prayers.
Prayers sent for AC and his family.
I'll second Sam's comments regarding the arduous task of being the primary care giver for a loved one facing a prolonged or terminal illness. In my time as a hospice nurse, I walked into more than one home where I had to do a double-take to identify who my actual patient was, as the caregiver often looked the worse for wear.
Providing prayers, support, and respite for Chuck's wife is as important as anything AC's family and friends can offer him.
I'm relieved to hear he has hospice running cover for his pain management. As Safety's communication with Chuck's wife reveals, few things are as frustrating as dealing with physicians who are unfamiliar (and therefore hesitant) to prescribe the necessary dosages of pain meds for hospice patients who have been on long term opioids for pain management. For the uninitiated, the dosages can appear staggering but the drug tolerance patients develop over extended time is quite remarkable.
I sincerely hope you and your family are having a more restful day, AC. Best wishes.
Echoing the others, I'm glad that the pain is more manageable today.
God bless all those who watch over and take care of Chuck, it's greatly appreciated.
Great to hear the pain is being combated a bit. And very happy to hear Chuck is at home!
Sounds like Terri is an amazing woman, praying for strength for them both.
Had a nice dinner last night for my daughter's 11th birthday. We had 4 generations of my family at the table. I asked that we remember Chuck and his family during our meal. I am hoping this is just a speed bump in Chuck's road to recovery.