Pops passed away at 3:45 a.m. Not surprisingly, he fought until the end. Arrangements will be posted at masfh.com.

Dad had another decent night. He's getting weaker and is confused, hard to understand most of the time, but can still get out "back scratch" very well! The new meds seems to be working well as far as keeping him comfortable.

LOTS of family coming in today, so we expect it to be hectic.

Today is Friday the 13th. This is Cindy, one of Pam's older sisters. I have had night duty with Dad for the past two nights. Last night was a decent night. He woke up often, just to change positions, but after talking to him this morning, I think it was my snoring that woke him up. The night before was rough, but we started him on some new medication. It seems to be working well. He continues to be lucid and talkative sometimes. The periods of confusion are getting more frequent. He is not eating at all. He is deterioting, but is aware enough to know what is going on.
I have one thing that bothers me. I have to return home on Sunday to go back to work. It will probably be the last time I see him. How do I say "good-bye?"
We thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, and will continue to keep you posted.

First day home

Pops arrived home yesterday at about 5p.m. He seems to like being at home much more than being at the hospital - shocking, I know.

The trip home and subsequent assessment by Hospice wore him out and he slept most of the evening. Until, of course, it was time for the rest of us to go to sleep! He woke up every 3 - 4 hours wanting to chat or have his back scratched. He even had a bowl of jello at 4a.m.! And now he's slept most of the day (so we're looking forward to another night of day/night mix-up).

Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, Hospice told us this looks to be a very quick process. We're so not ready for him to be gone, but we don't want him to continue on like this. Thankfully, he's on scheduled pain meds so he seems comfortable. He's starting to hallucinate a bit, but at other times he's keenly aware and loves to dredge up embarassing stories - like the time I (Pam) ran around the yard naked. And he knew right where we could find the battery-operated back scratcher that Cindy got for him for Christmas years ago.

Friends and family are calling and some are stopping by to visit. All are loved and appreciated.

Stay tuned

As you know, our dad, Thomas Welsh, has been diagnosed with colon cancer that has massively spread throughout his abdomen. Given his condition, there are no treatment options available to him. He is coming home today with hospice.

This site will provide updates on his condition and serve as a journal of sorts as my family embarks on this final journey with my dad.