February 1, 2016.
I am not minimizing the significance of this stage: it is a way station to the finish line. It is also a pause where serious questions are asked about quality of life vs. extension of life.
First, let me first correct the impression about hospice and palliative care. It is a place where I am found relief to the agonizing pain from my left rib, a place I get 24-care, and allow me to rest. Everyday I see my doctors and they make quick assessment for any subtle changes. My wife sleeps well beside me knowing each night I get restful sleep.
I get along well with my palliative doctors, Dr. R and Dr. W. Their care for me comes across as unfiltered and with authentic compassion I have not experienced. It also goes with nurses and staff. I was a mess when they brought me in last Monday. An ambulance transferred from my home to the hospital, delirious, dehydrated, vomiting, and in massive pain: I felt forsaken. With some magic pain cocktails I bounced back after 24-hours.
Tomorrow, if all goes well I will go home and care will continue there in-house this time. I miss my bed.
Hospice care may not be for everybody but I know it is for me. It should nonetheless be considered as a way to find peace and dignity. I have been touched, cared for by many people since I was first diagnosed in March 2008 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I have come a long way since then. Each individual have done their best for me, and left their mark, before being passed to the next worthy person. I am thankful and blessed. I am still here because of you.
The employee lunch room of the Season’s staff is just across my room. I went in there one night and saw all the letters, pictures, and postcards sent my families who have benefited from their care. All expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the care received by their love ones. I will not take a chance and leave it to others to say what I truly feel. I want you to hear it from me….
I truly appreciate care I received at Season’s. It is not yet over but all I know is I will be well taken cared of until the end.
Cheers.
P.S. A special thanks to KatieH, my angel from Canada. She was the one who admitted me and saw me in my worst (death warmed over). She nursed me back to life.
Bo, I don’t know you-personally-but have enjoyed reading your blog for the better part of a couple of years now. You are a true inspiration with your great attitude and always positive outlook on life, no matter the situation, a truly evolved person.
I wish the best of luck to you on the other side.
Hi, Aaron. Thanks for following my blog. I have met new friends through this blog, friends I have not met as far as Isle of Wight in UK. We have sent pictures of each other and they have included me in their prayers. I am glad you have learned from something from my blog. My words will stay hopefully to continue to provide inspiration and healing. Cheers. Bo
Bo, you are incredibly inspiration to all! Really, your strength and faith is very inspiring❤️ You are always in my prayers🙏🙏🙏
Tiong, I am glad you are not in pain. You are very much loved. In the words of a popular teleserye here #walangforever. But you have touched our hearts and more.
Bo, hang in there my friend, its been a long Journey from the time we first met and quickly became good friends. There is a good reason to fight, your family, friends and love ones are always with you. Get well soon !
Bo, I continue to pray for your healing & recovery. May you always be surrounded by divine light & love.
Hi Bo and Iris, We are thinking of you and your family. God Bless You.
As one who well knows your journey as best someone else can try to do, I so agree with your beautiful thoughts and words. My wife shared some of the same strengths, wisdom, kindnesses and dignity during her 42 year battle and journey. My prayers and thoughts of kindness are sent to you in these words. Always. Ken
Bo, thinking of you and Irish at this time. Sending love and prayers from Skye x
I too am thinking of you and wishing you well. For various reasons I stopped doing my t’ai chi but have restarted again as a new year resolution. Every time I pass the sequence ‘Drive Away the Tiger’ you pass through my thoughts. I’m glad you still can count your blessings. be strong. Cheers, MTS
Praying with you, Tito!
Bo – I’m one of your Galter spin buddies. I still think of you as “runner guy” from the cool marathon shirts (and runners body) you had at the gym. My prayer is that this time of hospice and palliative care brings you peace of mind, deep connections with your family, and the feeling of being surrounded by love. I’m sending my love your way and holding you in the light.
RIP Bo 02/13/2016, thank you for sharing your life through this blog, and you will be missed. Praying for you and the family, may you rest in peace.
Missed you dearly Bo.
Hi Bo, we’ll miss that wonderful smile your known for, and I’m pretty sure everyone up there are glad because another happy smile is added to the team. Rest In Peace Buddy because all our prayers are with you.
RIP BO
I was so touched by Bo’s story. I appreciated his candid sharing of his experience and his persistence. My heart goes out to his family. Is there a preferred donation set up for Bo’s family?