How to donate to Palliative Care

As you would have read in Carole's obituary, she had requested that donations could be made to the QE II Foundation, Palliative Care Unit 7A.

I was down there last week and asked how people would go about this, and what people could do to help.
They have a "wish list", and were kind enough to give me a copy. Quite an assortment of things, and I am sure we all have one or two of these items collecting dust!

Here is the list:
Donations for music therapy
Donations for patient amenities
Can opener for patient/family kitchen
Non scented shaving cream
Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Pony side rail wedges ($195 approx) 4 are needed
Roho and gel pads
Disposable razors
Air mattress
Personal DVD players
Talking clocks
7 foot hospital bed
Queen size hospital bed
Wall clocks with large numbers
Various sizes of mens pj's/slippers
Hair dryer
Lamps for patient rooms (unless hospital will provide them) Smaller than we currently have
Or new lamp shades
Satin pillow cases
Bobby pins/hair elastics
Hair brushes
Hand held mirrors
Brown sugar
Honey
Fold away cots (twin) current models are getting really old
Infant hair brushes


I also asked about cash donations and was given the following instructions:

Make the cheque to QEII HSC Foundation, Palliative Care
Mail to QEII HSC VG Site, 1276 South Park Street, Halifax, NS B3H 2Y9
Include a note saying that the donation is in memory of Carole Lemire of Halifax, and include an address for family to be notified of the donation if you want.
You could likely use Mario's address:
Mario Lemire
13 Havelock Crescent,
Dartmouth, NS B2W 4T7

Also include your own address and they will mail you a receipt for your taxes.


The wish list is great information. Some of Carole's friends are blessed with spare money, and some are not. But we can all do something I am sure.

And with all the blood transfusions that Carole had, I think donating blood should be on everyone's agenda who can do so.
I know that I have not in the past, but plan to in the future.
Blood is always in short supply at the hospital, and they were more than generous with Carole in that regard. I had heard that some patients in her condition were not so lucky. It would be a nice way to pay it forward and to honour Carole's memory.

Cheers

Rodney

Carole's Obituary to appear in Thursday's paper

LEMIRE, Carole Helene - 43, Halifax. Passed away peacefully Monday
September 7, 2009 in the VG site, QE II Health Sciences Centre. Born in
Montreal, she was a daughter of the late Marcel and Lise (Fournier) Lemire.
Carole is survived by her loving children Amber and Colton Frausell,
Halifax; brother Mario (Joanne) Lemire, Cole Harbour; sister Natacha (Kris)
Bucci, Victoria BC and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken
place. Visitation will be held 2-4pm and 7-9 pm Thursday September 10 at
Atlantic Funeral Home, 6552 Bayers Road, Halifax. Memorial service to be
held 2:00 pm Friday September 11 at Fairview United Church, Rev. Heather
Fraser officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall. Interment to
take place in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations may
be made to the QE II Foundation, Palliative Care Unit 7A. Special thanks to
all of Carole's friends who stood by her side throughout her brave battle
with cancer. Thank you also to the Dr. Walsh and Dr. Christie and the
nurses of 7A VG site. Online condolences may be sent to the family by
visiting www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com

Service for Carole

I think everyone has heard the sad news by now. Carole passed away on Sunday.

Natacha contacted me tonight with the arrangements for this week.

There will be a delay in this information hitting the newspaper, so she wanted me to pass it on.

Visiting family will be on Thursday September 10th at the Atlantic Funeral Home on Bayers Road.
There will be afternoon and night time visitation.
We should have exact hours by tomorrow.
The night time visitation is open to friends or anyone who wants to pay their respects to visit.

Services will be held at the Fairview United Church on Dutch Village Rd. Friday September 11th at 2:00 P.M. Reception to follow at the church.
This is open to anyone who wants to attend and pay their respects.

Please pass this info on to those who do not yet know.

Thanks

Rodney

Sunday September 6

I was in to see Carole for a short visit today around Noon.
She was quite tired and had her sign up to have visitors check with the nurse's station.
She was not as good as a few days earlier, but not as bad as maybe 10 days ago.
She was a bit confused, but mostly very tired.

RR

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th, 3:00 PM

I was in to visit Carole this afternoon and the sign was posted but they allowed me to visit for a few minutes. She was pretty good today but obviously very tired as she could barely keep her eyes open. Didn't stay long so that she could rest. The nurses basically have said that she is much better this week than last but most of you already know that. Ian Paton

Wednesday evening

I was in around 6pm tonight, and Carole was sleeping.
The nurse said that she had requested visits only from Mario or the kids as she was not feeling that great.

I hear that her stomach has been bothering her some.

I hope to see her tomorrow unless she is resting and will post any new news.

RR

Wednesday Sept 2nd

Carole has been doing much better lately.

She is thinking much clearer.
She has stopped some of the meds that she felt were making her "dopey".
Could be the meds or any combination of things, but she is much more lucid.
She still does tire quickly, so keep visits short, and if you show up and there is a sign saying no visitors, don't be offended. She has busy spurts of people at times, and when she wants to rest, we tell her to just put up the sign.

If anyone visits and has anything to post, please remember that anyone can post on this blog and keep us all informed.

The login name is RocketRodHfx@yahoo.com, and the password is Lemire14.

For those who do not know, there is a sheet on the door that people can sign in times on.
It was helpful for when we were trying to have someone there 24 hours a day.
With Carole being more awake now, I am hoping this level of visitation is not needed.
We simply can't get enough bodies to pull it off.
I have a feeling that the week day times are likely pretty slow for visitors as most are back in their work rhythms now. If you had time during the day through the week, and wanted to visit, I would think that there would not be a crowd!

Rodney

Tuesday August 25th

The nurses are keeping Carole fairly sedated now as she is restless at times, and tries to get up a lot.
The visits can be tough as she is not very coherent, and does not always know who is in the room. There are moments of clarity, but for the most part, the conversations will not make a lot of sense.

They have the rails up on both sides of the bed to help with her trying to get out.

I believe that they have increased the pain meds as well, so I don't think she is in too much discomfort. Her main issue now seems to be that she often asks to go home, and that is tough to see.

Many thanks to those who have been sitting with Carole this past week.

When you get in to visit, please note the sign up sheet and put yourself in for a few hours if you can. People have written notes on the sheet as to how things are going each day.

Continue to think good thoughts.

Rodney

August 21 2009

Carole went back into the hospital last week.
7th floor, VG site, Palliative care, Room 99

She had been having trouble breathing and had been on oxygen at home for a couple of weeks or so. She was having swelling again as well. She was having a lot of pain, and the medication was making her drowsy as well.

I was in Wednesday at lunch, but she was sleeping. There was a family meeting Thursday night, and there is not much to tell really. It seems to be day to day at this point.

As before, she is very tired, and is cranky about the phone calls waking her, so arranging to visit is hard.
I am sure some times are better than others, but she can be confused and barely awake at times. Other times she is not so bad.
She is on quite a bit of pain medication, so this is understandable.

I am not sure if they are actually doing anything for her aside from trying to keep her comfortable.

Things do not look great, but we have said that before and she has proved us wrong and had some temporary recoveries.

It has been suggested that we try to have someone with her at all times.
Mario spent Wed night there, and Paul F is did the same Thur night.

We all have work and family commitments, but we are trying to organize
people to be able to stay with her over the next little while.

If you feel comfortable doing this, please email me and tell me when you would be available.
Or if you get down to the hospital, I believe there is going to be a notebook there so that people can pencil themselves in for times to stay with Carole.

Think good thoughts,

Apartment search over

Carole got approved for a very nice place on Parkland Drive.

Thanks to all who helped her in the search.

She is set to go for May 1st.

RR

March 20

Carole is doing pretty well lately.
She is getting out once in a while, so maybe check in before making the trip down for a visit.
I know she can find the phone calls annoying at times, but it goes hand in hand with the visits, so it is a necessary evil I guess?

No apartment confirmed yet, but the search is really on and I am hoping it will get settled soon.

RR

Wednesday

Carole and I (Kari)went to see a movie last night, things went well. She seems to be having some difficulty catching her breath, but she didn't let it slow her down too much.

Wednesday

My sore throat from the weekend has turned into a bit of a cold, so I will stay clear of the hospital until the weekend or later.

I know Carole is hating the constant calls, so if anyone is talking to her, share any info with the rest of us please!

Thx

RR

Movie

Carole and I (Kari) are hoping to get out to a movie Wednesday night. You may want to call before going down (we are planning to go to the 7pm show at Park Lane). Man, is anyone else having trouble getting her on the phone...she is one busy woman. I called three times yesterday and never connected...

Saturday

Monica and I were down to the hospital on Saturday and Carole felt well enough to get out for a while. Nothing too exciting, but we were able to get her home for a short visit with Colton.

She had a friend coming to cook supper as well.

She is doing better than last week, but the walk from the hospital to the car did tire her a bit.

Given the weather, it was just nice to get her out.

RR

Wednesday night

I was down to see Carole for a while last night.
Amber had just been in as she leaves for the Dominican today.

She was fairly alert considering the Benadryl and had was getting some blood from
George.

I asked her if she was up for anything this weekend, and she said she would have to wait and see.

If she has the strength, maybe a movie or even just a trip home?

If anyone is down today or tomorrow, maybe post an update.

RR

Saturday

Carole was having Colton down tonight overnight.
I think someone is cooking something for them, and I suspect they
are getting a movie.

I did not talk to her, but was with Colton and Paul and heard she was feeling a bit better today.

RR

Wednesday

I stopped in at lunch Wednesday and Carole was awake and doing OK considering the infection. She is still tired, but I was able to stay for a half an hour, and she was fine. I sometimes bore her to sleep, but must have had some good material for a change.

She had mentioned that Paul was bringing Colton down that night, and that Mario might be coming over as well.

No exciting news, but from what I had heard from people on earlier visits, she did not seem as tired. So it seems that the worst of the recent blood infection is behind her.
Hopefully she will continue to have more energy, so we can get her out again, even if it is just for a few hours at a time.

RR

Tuesday

Carole is still extremely weak and tired with the infection. I was in for a 15 minute visit this evening and her eyes were closed most of the time, though she is more alert, just really needing rest. She had some soup and cereal today which hopefully is helping to get her strength back up as that is what she will need to help her fight this infection.
Michelle

Feb.20th

Carole has a blood infection again, like she had when she was first admitted back in November. I don't have any details other than that she is hooked up to antibiotics. I was talking to her on the phone and she was extremely groggy and sleepy and actually fell asleep mid conversation - I called the nurse from my cell and had them check on her to make sure that what all that had happened. The conversation was not good, much of it didn't make sense, though she did tell me about the infection and that it had started last night. She doesn't want any company tonight but check tomorrow, though I guess call for sure before dropping by.
Michelle

Sorry for the lack of posting!

Busy times in February, and the weather ain't helping any!

Anyways, I was in to see Carole on Tuesday, and she was doing OK. She had a bit of a sore throat, but no indication yet that it was anything too bad.

I think Big P was in to see her on Wed night.

A few of us who have been calling her have mentioned that the phone often rings and rings but no answer? I suspect just bad timing, as maybe Carole is down the hall or in the washroom. I know that I have told her that if she does not feel like talking or wants a nap, just turn the ringer off.

I just tried her a few minutes ago, and no answer. I will try again later to check on the sore throat situation and see if she needs anything.

So to those who follow along this blog, Carole is doing OK, and there has not been anything major to report on I guess. I will try to post more as myself and others visit etc, so that people know she is getting some help when she needs it.

Hopefully another daytrip home or other excursion soon.

RR

A steak at the Mic Mac Tavern

Carole and I had talked recently about a good steak at the Mic Mac sometime soon.
I had suggested this weekend, but with all the Valentines stuff going on, it might have been too crowded.

She suggested a week night maybe sometime soon.

Just a thought if anyone wants to get out for a good steak.
I haven't been there in years.
They are known for good steaks, and are not super expensive.

I hope to get in for a quick visit tomorrow (Sunday) and will post anything new

RR

Wed Feb 11th

Carole and I (Kari) went to a movie last night. She seems to be a bit more tired and in a bit more pain than she has been in the past few weeks. Her stomach has started to swell a little and is making her uncomfortable. She was pretty tired by the end of the night, but we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

Tuesday

Carole is thinking about going out to see a chick flick tomorrow evening, so she may not be around...you may want to call before popping by. If all goes well I (Kari) will be picking her up a little after 5pm to take her for a bite to eat and a show at Park Lane. She said that her hemoglobin is down a bit, so the hospital staff are watching it closely and she is trying to pace herself...

Monday

I (Kari)was talking to Carole briefly at lunchtime. She was waiting to be picked up by a friend, Ian so that she could go home for the afternoon. She went to a movie yesterday with Colton and said that she had a good day. I am guessing that she won't get back to the hospital until close to suppertime today. Not sure what her dinner plans are.

Saturday

Carole went home today for about 5 hours. She spent some quality time with Colton and Amber and had a chance to gather some things to take back to the hospital with her..all and all a good day- though I am betting that she will sleep well tonight. Tomorrow she is planning to go to a movie with Colton and maybe out for brunch.

Her swelling has gone down tremendously...she is now back into her regular clothes and is feeling pretty good of late...let's keep our fingers crossed that this continues for a very long time!

This weekend

Carole might get home for a visit over the weekend, so if anyone is planning a visit, be sure to call ahead so you don't waste a trip.

RR

Monday night

Carole and I (Kari) had a mini greek fest last night with some treats from "It's All Greek to Me"...She is spending more and more time out of her room (likely where she is if you are trying to call)...I don't think that she is napping as much so maybe if you are talking to her check on the noon-3 pm "no call" time as she may not need it anymore while she is feeling so good.

A Craving

I (Colette), forgot to mention that during our conversation saturday, Carole let it be know she has a hankering for bacon wrapped scallops..........damn that woman has taste. So, if anyone can do this great, if not, I'll endeavour to get some to her this weekend.

Groundhog Day

I (Kari) was just talking to Carole. She is still feeling really good and seems to be full of energy. I am going to bring down dinner tonight around 5pm.

Sunday

I was down to see Carole around lunch.

Rhonda was bringing Colton down in the afternoon, and Mario is bringing some dinner over. They were going to watch a rented movie.

So, use discretion if planning a visit tonight. Sounds like she is entertaining family.

I plan to check in with her on Tuesday afternoon about some dinner, but am tied up Monday night (exclusive Ground Hog's Day Celebrations).


RR

Saturday

Big Paulie and I (Colette) were in to see Carole today, we arrived around 11 ish, Carole looks fantastic and was full of energy, I brought some Brie and Pate which she ate with gusto, we stayed till about 1.30 or so. She didn't mention anyone else that was expected for today so hopefully someone will have dinner taken care of.

Plans for Friday

I (Kari) am going to bring some lunch down on Friday and stay for a visit.

Thursday

I plan to check with Carole after work today and see about a dinner upgrade.

RR

Monday

I (Kari) was in to see Carole tonight. She said that she had a quiet day for visitors, but was happy that she got her nerve block today. Hopefully this will alleviate some of the pain in her leg- should kick in within 3-7 days if all goes well. She was still craving that nasty pate...Tash had called just as I was leaving. She is hoping to have dinner with Amber on Thursday for Amber's birthday- either go out or order in. She made need someone to drive Amber to and from the hospital that evening- we can make plans once things firm up...

Two days, two movies

Carole had a good weekend

She saw a movie on both Saturday and Sunday.

We will have to consider other outings soon as her condition seems to allow it.

RR

Saturday Jan 24

Carole plans to see a movie at Park Lane this afternoon with Colton.
Mario and Kari are joining them.

So, if you were going to pop down in the afternoon, she won't be there!

I suspect she will not get back until maybe 4ish?

I would think this outing might tire her out a bit, so if you were planning to stop
in later on, maybe call first? She will be missing her usual 12-3PM rest time, so she may need a nap.

RR

Thursday night

Monica and I stopped for a visit tonight.
Michelle had been by late in the afternoon and was just taking off as we got there.
We brought a sub which Carole had no problem polishing off.

She has so much more energy lately.
We talked for nearly two hours.

She hopes to get out to a movie over the weekend with Colton.

She will wait to see how she feels on the weekend and decide then.

I think Big Paulie plans to check with Carole tomorrow afternoon about some dinner.


RR

Thursday

I plan to check with Carole this afternoon

I will post more then

RR

Monday night

Carole was craving the grease tonight, so Monica and I brought her a Big Mac combo, and sat and had some grease ourselves. Her appetite was there and that is always good to see.
She was doing well, and we talked for over two hours!
I know that talking wears her out, so we tried to be polite and offered to leave a couple of times, but she still had stories to tell!
I know that Mario was on his way over as well, so she had a full dance card.

I think Big Paulie plans to check with her Tuesday night about some dinner

RR

Monday

I had a good chat with Carole today and she was mentioning that Colton does not get out to do much any more so if anyone has any kid friendly activities planned, maybe give him a call to get him away from his video games a bit.
Michelle

Sunday

Rhonda and Kari were down today- Carole continues to look great and appears to be doing well on her new meds and "off the pole".
Colton and Paul arrived a little before 2pm.

I am hoping to get down for a visit after work tomorrow(Monday)
I will call ahead to see if she wants a dinner upgrade

RR

Plans for Sunday

I (Kari) was going to head down around lunchtime to fix up Carole's toes. I know that she is hoping to see Colton and Amber- Rhonda and Michelle are trying to make that happen.

Tracey, Pam and I dropped in briefly today (Pam and I were visiting a mutual friend a few floors below Carole) and it is very nice to see her "off the pole". She was beginning to nod off when we left...without Rod being there- who knew :)

Saturday

The Snider's brought some homemade turkey soup and rolls for Carole this afternoon. She knew they were bringing it but she was asleep when they got there, so they just put it in the fridge and let the nurse know it was there.

Always good to let her rest when she can.

I was in briefly on Friday and noticed how her colour was better. Good to see.

They had her off her fluids as well. She does not like being tied to that pole, so it is good to see her without it when her condition allows it.

RR

Friday update

Carole was feeling pretty good today after a good night's sleep and light lunch. Once Rod got there she started fading off (no offense Rod :) so we left her sleep. You will notice that she isn't hooked up to the IV anymore- apparently they are changing her meds??? If anyone is able to get the scoop on that...

Friday Lunch

I (Kari) just talked to Carole. She said that she had a really good sleep last night. She took me up on my offer to bring lunch...so I will be heading over just before noon.

Thursday lunch - lasagna is on its way

The Snider's are bringing Carole some lasagna for lunch today, so if you
had planned to check with her about some lunch, she is taken care of quite well
today

RR

Thursday

Great point on the blogging. More is always better.

I was in yesterday just for a few minutes. Carole was out like a light in the afternoon, so I did not wake her.

I was in the area again after 5pm, so I stopped by then, and she was awake and having dinner. She was expecting other visitors, so I kept it short.

She seemed to be having a decent day, talkative and alert. I got her after a good afternoon nap, so that likely helped!

I won't be talking to her today, so if anyone else is, keep us posted.

RR

Please keep blogging

To minimize the number of "just checking in" calls made to Carole can we all please keep this site up to date. I know that someone must have been talking to Carole yesterday- yet there is no news posted...leaving people wondering how she is doing. Please continue to blog...even if it is just one sentence to say that she is having a good day. Thanks :)

Tuesday Night

I (Kari) was down this evening to visit Carole. She ate a man-sized caesar salad, but she wasn't feeling great- not enough sleep last night and this morning...She would love some V8 (I forgot)...

Tuesday Jan 13th

I (Kari) spoke to Carole a few minutes ago to see if she wanted some lunch brought over. Diane had been over to make a desired salmon sandwich...I am going to drop by around 6 pm with supper (at least that is the plan right now)...

Sunday

I was just talking to Carole on the phone...she had a good visit with the kids last night, though they were up really late :) Mario came by and made them all breakfast today, well all of them except for the one who wouldn't get out of bed (I'll keep her nameless). Carole was very tired tonight and was going to have a little bit of supper and then go to sleep.
Michelle

Saturday night - no visitors please - family time

Carole is hoping to have the kids down overnight on Saturday night.
So, if you were planning on calling or visiting Saturday night, please reschedule.

Thanks

RR

Friday January 9th

I (Kari) was in to see Carole just before lunch today. She said that she was feeling a bit better today- finding it easier to breathe. Her appetite has picked up again, which is always good. She is hoping to get to spend some quality time with Amber and Colton this weekend, so you may want to call before dropping over.

Thursday morning

I was in to see Carole this morning around 9:30AM.

There was a sign on her door asking for people to let her sleep. I had asked the nurses station how she was doing as I did not want to disturb her. The nurse was able to look in and see that Carole was awake. Actually, Carole did not even know the sign was on the door, but when I mentioned it, she agreed that she wanted to rest as talking tired her.

I visited for about 20 min, but she was not feeling well, and had no energy or appetite. She said her hemoglobin was down to 35 and that the drugs did not seem to be helping.

I told her I would call late in the afternoon to see if there was anything that she needed. I am hoping her appetite comes back. I even asked about a smoothie, and she said she did not want one.

I told her to take her phone off the hook if she did not want to be disturbed.

I will try to call her in the afternoon, and hope for the best.

RR

Wednesday

I tried calling Carole at 4pm today, but no answer, so I assumed that the ringer was off.

I later found out from Rhonda that Carole had another bad night again last night and was having difficulty breathing and is still passing blood. The nurse told her that they had given her laisix (not sure how to spell) again today to help with the bleeding. With this drug one of the side effects is that Carole's blood pressure can drop. The nurse said that Carole was aware of this and wanted to have the drug anyway. The nurse said to check back later regarding visitors.

It seems that tonight might be another night to let her rest.

I will see what I can find out in the morning.

RR

Tuesday

I spoke with Carole around 5pm, and she was not feeling well.

She asked for no calls or visits tonight

I told her I would call her tomorrow at 4pm to see about a dinner upgrade and maybe a quick visit.

I will post again then with any new news.

RR

Tues. January 6th./09

I dropped in to visit Carole around 4:30 pm. today and checked with the nurse first. She told me Carole had a rough day and wasn't up for visitors. I left her a note  saying Hello and that I would be a down another time when she was feeling better.

Tuesday January 6th

I (Kari) just spoke to Carole. She is quite tired and said that she isn't feeling as well as she would like. With the transfusion she wasn't able to get the sleep that she needed- keep this in mind when planning a visit or a call.

Monday

I just talked to Carole for a second...she threw up blood again today and they have given her benadryl and are going to do transfusions. I suggested that she turn the phone off and it is not a good idea to go visit tonight.
Michelle

Sunday January 4/08

After way too much time of being not able to get in to visit Carol , I ( Steve J ) finally got in around 3:15 pm today. I was told by the nurse ( as I checked before hand ) that she was tired and to keep my visit short as I did. I thought Carol looked remarkably well and we had a good conversation for the short time I was there. I brought her a six pack of Gatorade ( the red stuff ) as per counsel by a friend who said she enjoys this particular drink.

Another visitor showed up shortly before I left. Forget her name of course but I think it was Cheri.

I hope to get in some time in the near future..

Steve Jess

Sat Jan 3rd

I (Kari) brought some lunch to Carole around noon. She was in good spirits and looked good. Her hemoglobin was tested last night and is at good levels- so it shows in her engergy level. Darren dropped by with some tea just before i left.

Friday/Saturday

Monica and I were in early Friday evening.
Amber, Mario, Joanne and Justin were there at the time.

Just as we were leaving. Paul F and Colton showed up.

Carole was talkative and seemed in good spirits.

I plan to check with her late in the afternoon about some dinner if she wants something brought down.

RR

Friday

I was speaking with Carole late this morning, and she said she was doing OK.
The doctors were with her so she could not really talk much.
She said she had lunch taken care of, so I left it at that.

I will try again tomorrow morning to see about getting her lunch and a quick visit.

Remember the 12-3 plan for no calls.

Rodney

New Year's Day

I (Kari) was talking to Carole a little while ago. She sounded quite good- slept in until 10 am this morning. I am going to be bringing her a turkey dinner for supper, will be heading down around 5pm with it. She also wanted some oatmeal, fruit, etc and I will pick some up and drop it down tomorrow...she said that she was set for food otherwise.