Ass end of a Dog Day

I am sitting in Ebony’s room and listening to her breathe, which sounds a bit like snoring. I went out to get some dinner around 9 and came back at 9:45 and found her nose bleeding and gurgling because blood had seeped into her mouth. She had bled over the oxygen line in her nose. I ran to the nurse’s station to get her nurse, Aziza, who came back and quickly began to clean Ebony up. After wiping her nose and mouth, she used suction — similar instrument to a dentist — and drew out much of the blood and mucus from her mouth. She mentioned that she had swabbed Ebony’s nose for culture and thinks that triggered the bleed.

Ebony returned to breathing but with a slight gurgle , as if there was still liquid in her mouth. I asked the nurse about it and she started quizzing me about being there, saying that I would have to leave. When I explained that Patient Services had sorted this out on my behalf and assured me that I could stay overnight and there would be no further problems, she wanted the name of the person I talked to and had me then spell my name. She never cleaned the blood and went back to the desk.

Later, another nurse — charge nurse I think — came to inform me that I would likely have to leave but “Gilda” would be coming to speak to me.

As yet, Gilda has not arrived and I have since and told Aziza that Ebony’s breathing concerned me. I stopped out of the room so that she could help Ebony and perhaps suction the remaining fluid in her mouth, and hopefully clean up the blood.

I took video of Ebony in this condition for posterity, though I am reluctant to share it in order to protect her dignity. But I emailed it to myself and am holding on to it.

After all we have been through today, it’s only fitting that the day should end as badly as it began.

In the Hour of Chaos

This morning the doctors came to us with more devastating news: complications with Ebony’s liver and kidneys indicate that her body is beginning to shut down. The lead attending MD said that it is now a matter of weeks and we need to seriously consider Hospice. Presently, she may have an infection which could be in her lungs or sinuses but is causing labored breathing.

I am taking a Leave of Absence from ABC. Not sure if I will be able to draw any income but that they are giving me this time is greatly appreciated.

When/if she is able, we will be bringing her home and initiating Hospice, where she will be surrounded by love and as much metal as she can stand.