Midweek update

Wednesday morning in NE Minneapolis is bright but chilly. We did avoid most of the nasty winter weather occurring throughout the midwest, getting through with about 4 inches of snow the day before.
JB had several visitors (friends from work) arrive this morning to give him greetings and their warm wishes. Unfortunately JB was unresponsive, sleeping and fading away in our bedroom. The sun was shining in as his co-workers joined in the room to tell him how much they miss him and wish he could return to work. It is clear that JB has been a positive influence among his co-workers over the many years at the U of MN. It was difficult to stay composed while they were present, because it was clear we all wanted JB to pop up and acknowledge their visit with a smile at least.
The overnight was a bit tricky for Susan and I. JB was dealing with more systematic mental issues and when he would arise he was confused and very groggy. A few times he attempted to get out of bed, but was unable to navigate the room to get to his destination. One time his goal was the bathroom, but got disoriented and bumped into our closet. We managed to weave our way to the bathroom so he could relieve himself, but that in itself was a struggle. It was difficult for him to maintain his balance and he practically was falling asleep while standing at the toilet. Immediately after, we staggered back to the bedroom where he collapsed back into bed to return to sleep.
It is not clear if he is managing his pain since he has such trouble communicating clearly. We remain fixed to the regiment of medications he has been given the last week, and I changed his pain patches this morning as the two days had already past since the last ones were applied. He continues to take all his nutrition through his gastric feeding tube, and has not taken any food since a portion of yogurt a few days ago.
Each day brings new challenges as JB's body continues to fade. The decline is noticed by many family who have been present much of the last few days. I am starting to loose track of the last coherent communication we have gotten out of JB and each new day he drifts further from us mentally. It still seems his body is putting up a fight as the nurse noted during her visit yesterday that JB's pulse, blood pressure and vitals appeared stable. The nurse did not have too much information, positive or negative for us. The next visit by a hospice nurse is this Friday.
Most of us are hopeful that we have not seen the last lucid moments from JB. While at work during the day I imagine that I might return home and he is sitting in the living room watching a movie, interacting with visitors or navigating on the computer. Each day there are less examples of such recovery behavior. And our desire of course is comfort and company to pass the time he remains with us.