It has been 18 months since Russell passed away.  A lot of people are wondering how we're doing.  If you'd like an update on the family head over to my blog Welcome to Brighton.

Funeral

Russell passed away last night after a 7 year battle with cancer. He was always brave and sweet and he will be dearly missed by all his friends and family.

The funeral will be held Saturday July 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. 100 East Malley Drive, Northglenn, CO 80233.

He will be buried in Riverton, Utah at the Riverton City Cemetery on Tuesday July 26th at 11:00 a.m. 12830 S. Redwood Road, Riverton, UT.

In lieu of flowers a scholarship fund has been established for his children. Donations can be made to the Russell Wentworth Memorial Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank.

Hospice Care Center

This past weekend I had a couple of falls. No major injuries, just some cuts and bruises, but my left side doesn't really work anymore and it is difficult for my wife to move me around. We checked in to the Hospice Center last night and so far things are ok. My two main complaints are that I'm no longer in charge or my medication, and that the food is only served at specific times and with a specific menu. At my old hospital I had a large selection of foods that were delivered room service style. I could call down any time day or night and order what I wanted. The upside is that there are lots of good restaurants nearby and my wife is willing to get me take out.

2011.06.15 Shortness of Breath

Today I experienced a new symptom: shortness of breath. We were concerned about this so my wife called our Hospice nurse. The nurse told me to take some liquid Oxy and that seemed to help. She also ordered some oxygen to be delivered to the house and came by to check on me. She couldn't find any specific reason for my difficulty in breathing.

My mobility and coordination seem to be a little more off. Perhaps I'm just more tired.

2011.05.30 Hospice

We have stopped Avastin therapy and are focusing on hospice care. Avastin is something to extend one's condititon. The big question is what quality of life am I extending? Chemotherapy isn't helping anything, My vision and physical coordination keep deteriorating. The left side of my body is almost useless. It is all about comfort care right now. I have been able to keep the pain under control. My faith and the love & support of family, friends, and fellow churchgoers keeeps any depression away. I know that the end of this mortality is not actually the end of my existence.

2011.05.20 Life As A Cat

This must be how a cat feels. I need to rest/sleep at least as much as I am awake each day. The steroid dose I am on helps greatly with the headaches. I still have headaches, usually daily though.

I love being off chemotherapy. At least I can't blame myself for getting sick. It is nice to know I am not causing any of my fatigue either, like when I used to take thalidomide. Here are a list of all of my current problems: partial paralysis of the left side of my body, loss of almost all of my left visual field, impairment of my coordination so I can't walk well, button my pants or shirts without help, general vision problems (blurry and sometimes double vision).

I am grateful I am able to be home with my family right now instead of in some care home.

2011.05.09 Working From Home

The fatigue and more painful headaches have made it so that I am trying to do what work I can from home. I also have daily problems with my vision and physical coordination. I wish I could help my wife more with work around the house and running errands. It has been wonderful to have so many of my coworkers bringing us meals to help out.