Lindas Family Medical Leave

2/11/2025

Moving day

Steve is being moved to an inpatient hospice care facility in the Nazareth Hospital building.

He has decided to have no further life saving measures. He has signed a DNR and DNI.

It's a closer facility for us. We will be allowed to visit any time of day, stay overnight and the bright side is dogs are allowed. I am thrilled he will be allowed to see the dogs.

2/6/2025

This is extremely difficult for me to share please bare with me.

This week Steve, his medical team and I have decided to move forward with hospice.

Medically there is nothing left they can do for him. They are trying hard to get him home so he can be with his family and friends.

We know that it won't be a long time. Months we hope but that can change at any time.

We accept all forms of prayer and general good thoughts.

Please let me know if you wish to visit him or need his phone number.

If you are able to help financially for a little while as I am not currently working I deeply appreciate it. If not please share and send a kind word.

Thank you all so much ❤️

Linda

2/22025

Steve has had both chest tubes FINALLY removed this week. They are letting his body readjust and heal. He is in lots of pain. His arms are extremely bruised from the various iv's and needs he has endured. He has lost most of his muscle from being in bed for 3 months

Currently the doctors are focused on getting his body strong enough to be released

1/21/2025

Update:

Steve has been moved to Jefferson University Hospital in downtown Philadelphia.

I have moved to stay with my mother in law until she passes. I am taking medical leave from work until further notice.

1/132025

Today my mother in law, Bonnie was taken to the hospital fluid in her heart I am waiting to see what they are able to do.

Steve is on day 59 in the ICU They are currently looking to put a valve in his chest instead of 2 chest tubes 1) we have no idea if he is strong enough 2) we have no idea if insurance will cover it at it is $40,000. 3) we are starting to get bigger medical bills (ambulance rides, various random doctors)

That said I need to ask for additional funds It is very clear I will need much more time off work It is also clear I need help

Thanks again for everything

Linda

...

12/28 update Next week...on Thursday Steve will undergo a procedure to hopefully repair the Pneumothorax in his right lung. He has 2 chest tubes...yes, still.

They will do a bronhascope to locate each rip. The idea is that they will glue small medical balloons in his lung to repair the damage. Because of the level of damage this is considered pretty dangerous.

This can also cause his left lung to work harder and cause issues with that Or...it could work.

Erik is staying home with the dogs. Miranda has off so she will be able to go with me and we can pace together ❤️. My mom has also offered to come over.

Needless to say we are all scared and very much worried.

12/18/2024**UPDATE

In today's news on Steve they are currently looking for a long term care facility that can handle his 2 chest tubes. He has been in the ICU since October

His mom, Bonnie is currently holding her own and her kidneys seem ok at the time being. We are unsure how much time she has but it's not as much as we would like. Months at best

Our dog Atticus who we adore is also dying of cancer and I am not ready to let him go yet. He is loosing weight and I will be thankful if he makes Christmas

Thanks for reading our "country song ". Some creative person should right it.

We are

The doctors want to do a bronhascope to Steve. It would involve putting a tube in his right lung and gluing a balloon or several balloons in his lung to repair the rips. The procedure does not take long but his lungs are like tissue paper. He is open to the idea but not till after the first of the year.

Hi everyone

My name is Linda and my husband Steve and I have been married for 30 year. He is currently in the hospital in the ICU. Steve has end stage COPD and emphysema. Steve was diagnosed about 20 years ago. He has been disabled for about 8. We have 2 amazing kids who are adults. Only one is currently living at home. I work full time and have a great job. I however don't have time off so all the time I miss to be with him at the hospital is unpaid.

Steve is getting great care. His medical is mostly covered but i am struggling to pay our bills right now.

He is about to have lung surgery and I will be there but will again miss work. They will be putting a couple of balloons in his lung to hopefully plug rips he has in his right lung. He has 2 chest tubes and has mostly been in a hospital since October.

If you are able to assist i would be grateful

.