Extra Update

Hi folks,

Thank you Dee and Hollis - Rich asked me to update this blog this evening but you all have done a great job with the information available right now.

Kate is resting comfortably and the staff at the hospice are very skilled. Kate's sisters, Gita and Mary, have been in Falmouth since Saturday and her brothers arrived today. Rihanna and Colin are there with Rich and the Billings bunch so there is much, much love surrounding our girl. The hospice nurses do not think that Kate will survive the week but please keep in mind that all things are shifting and changing. The whole family feels the great love and support of Kate's many friends. They also know you will understand their need to spend time as a small group so that Kate doesn't fatigue so frequently
.

Kate's sending her love to all of you.

Morellen

Kate is moved to Sandwich hospice

Dee and I have gotten so many questions about Kate's condition that we thought we would update the blog with what we know. This is not something Rich or anyone else asked us to do, but I think it's good for people to have an idea where Kate is in this journey.
Kate and Rich have made the decision to move her from Falmouth Hospital to hospice care at the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich, at 73 Service Road. She is there now. She needs round-the-clock care by professionals there that would be too difficult at home.
Kate's sisters and brothers have arrived to be with her and Rich at the hospice. We've been told that because of Kate's low energy level, they want to keep visitors at the Sandwich facility to only family. Also - and we thought about this after talking to a young friend who not long ago lost his wife to cancer - it's probably best not to call Rich for updates on Kate's condition. She is loved by many, many people here on the Cape, but it seems best to let him concentrate his energies on the woman he loves and let the rest of us get out news here on the blog.
Susan and Kyle and a number of other people - Rich and Kate included - have kept up the blog so that everyone can know at least some of what's happening. We'll all do our best to keep this blog as current as we can.
Kate and Rich and their family need everyone's prayers and good thoughts right now.
Hollis and Dee Engley

Overdue Info

Kate was having a reaction to her meds and returned to the hospital Monday. The good news for her and Rich is that she's at Falmouth Hospital, which feels preferable for a variety of reasons, the closeness to home being near the top of the list. She didn't feel well when I saw her yesterday. I haven't gotten word yet today. She asked me to update this, though.

Susan

Greatest News

I'm home from the hospital as of yesterday afternoon. So I'm completely thrilled. Much love, Kate

The Latest

I had nice conversations with both Kate and Rich last night and they asked me to relay to all that she is doing better, but unlikely to get out for at least several days. They have been working on pain management which seems to be a bit of a moving target so the trick is finding something that works and seeing if it endures. The good news is that when she feels better, she really feels better. She sent love and hellos to all. She still fades quickly at the end of the day, or things can still be changeable, so she's not recommending visitors, but is sending good vibes out to all and glad to receive your good vibes as well. Keep 'em coming!

More as I know it.

Susan

No release Mon.

Had a resonable day today for the most part. unclear about timing for release. Missing everyone a lot.

I;m hearing 2 10 y.o. girls giggling on the floor tonight. Very cheerful and sunny sounds.

I'm quite tired and trying to relax for a good night sleep. Best to all. Much love, Kate

Update from Kate and Rich

I spoke with both Kate and Rich briefly yesterday and here's the word.

After a bumpy last few days, Kate was much better yesterday. She sounded good and there's some talk that she might be released on Monday. I don't have a lot of details, but Kate definitely sounded like herself and they had just been for a walk. She said that she fades by afternoon, though. And they send their love to all.

Susan

August 12 update

Hi folks,

Just spoke with Rich. Kate's still at Brigham and remains under care of thoracic dudes. They're working on removing fluid and the docs say that's going well. No word yet on when she'll be released but we'll update when we know more.

Lung drying hugs all around,
Morellen

Back at the Brigham

Just heard from Rich that Kate is back at the Brigham with fluid build-up in her lung. She's expected to stay until they can rebalance her fluids. They have asked that meals for this week be postponed. More when there's more to know.
Susan

Thursday, Aug. 6

It is amazing how quiet it is on Cape Cod. I could barely sleep on Tuesday night with no beeping!!! Now I must say that the counter affect of the drugs did help the situation.

I'm starting to feel a little better. But energy is really low so I'm napping a lot.

Much love, Kate

Tuesday, Aug.3

Discharge papers are in the works. So ready to be back home to the Cape.

Much love, Kate

Monday, Aug. 3rd

WOW! Quite the week.Only partially overwhelmed. No actually completely overwhelmed. Hoping for tues. discharge. My sister Gita arrives the same day. Surgeons are again very happy with outcome. Back to sleep fro a few minutes\

much love, still tired, kate

Saturday Aug 1

Kate is continuing to do well. The docs are happy with her progress and if she keeps going at the same rate she may be headed home on Tuesday. !!!!

Kate's spirits are good, her color is lovely and her hair is fun to pat 'cause it's all curly.

Her sister, Gita, is arriving on Tuesday so there will be extra special help in getting our girl all comfy back at their house. I believe Kate and Rich are ready for some homemade peace and quiet. Hospitals are noisy little suckers. Luckily, I'm sure our gang of four visitors, plus Rich, made no noise at all this morning.

Morellen