Diagnosis
What
is the problem? Morris was diagnosed a year ago today with Multiple
Myeloma. He has been on treatments for that ever since. Last month he
has been developing an increasingly bad heart. His heart is too weak to
pump all the water out of his system. This results in congestive heart
failure. We are trying to get the strength of the heart back. So far
efforts have met with only little success. He is too weak to continue
the Multiple Myeloma treatments. Without those treatments the Multiple
Myeloma grows unfettered and may kill him in 3-6 months. If he can get
his heart strength back, however, we can suspend the hospice and he can
resume his multiple myeloma treatments.
In the meantime, the hospital has done all it can do and is discharging him from the hospital. That is the story so far.
First day home
By Jonathan Taylor — Feb 13, 2016 9:41pm
First day home-1
Family and Friends and Hospice
By Morris Taylor — 9 hours ago
In the meantime, the hospital has done all it can do and is discharging him from the hospital. That is the story so far.
First day home
By Jonathan Taylor — Feb 13, 2016 9:41pm
Morris
came home today. Weak and frail, could barely move. Saw his piano and
insisted on trying to play and proceeded to play a series of
four--short--piano pieces. The inspiration of music.
First day home-1
Morris
came home today. Weak and frail, could barely move. Saw his piano and
insisted on trying to play and proceeded to play a series of
four--short--piano pieces. The inspiration of music.
Morris also reports breathing better and his heart seems also more regular.
Morris also reports breathing better and his heart seems also more regular.
Family and Friends and Hospice
By Morris Taylor — 9 hours ago
The
support for Morris has been very heartwarming. Yesterday he has been a
little more energetic and today a little more laid back. But he is doing
fine. We had a visit from the Hospice Intake Nurse, that was a very
positive visit. The nurse was very understanding, reassuring and also
straightforward. It was a very kind visit with lots of useful
information of the resources available. Medicare is amazing that they
provide this service.
Morris would like visitors. But it is important to coordinate them so that he is not overwhelmed. Ideally one or two at a time would be great not sure the best way to handle this--maybe the calendar feature of this site? I will have to look into that. He finds visitors really encouraging and inspiring so do plan to stop by. I cannot predict his energy level. He may love you to stay a while and talk, or a shorter visit just sitting either way rest assured your visit is valuable. If in doubt when to come call me or write me I will do my best to keep up a schedule.
Today, Monday, we have a full house with his two sons, Lowell and Lyndon here. Lyndon will be here with Morris's 2 grandchildren. It will be a day of joy.
Morris would like visitors. But it is important to coordinate them so that he is not overwhelmed. Ideally one or two at a time would be great not sure the best way to handle this--maybe the calendar feature of this site? I will have to look into that. He finds visitors really encouraging and inspiring so do plan to stop by. I cannot predict his energy level. He may love you to stay a while and talk, or a shorter visit just sitting either way rest assured your visit is valuable. If in doubt when to come call me or write me I will do my best to keep up a schedule.
Today, Monday, we have a full house with his two sons, Lowell and Lyndon here. Lyndon will be here with Morris's 2 grandchildren. It will be a day of joy.
Resting and connecting
Morris continues to be quite tired. He gets moments of strength and
plays the piano shortly or can watch the television for a little bit. He
gets energized by visitors as well. Though he may be tired he values
friendship and connection very much.
The hospice caregivers have been by (A social worker, a nurse and a personal aid who comes twice a week) and they are amazing people. They deal very empathically and straightforwardly about death and dying. They are an inspiration.
Someone asked me if Morris is dying. The answer is he has a short prognosis (3-6 months). His health care givers feel he is not in imminent danger. He has a lot of life left in him and would love to celebrate that with you.
The hospice caregivers have been by (A social worker, a nurse and a personal aid who comes twice a week) and they are amazing people. They deal very empathically and straightforwardly about death and dying. They are an inspiration.
Someone asked me if Morris is dying. The answer is he has a short prognosis (3-6 months). His health care givers feel he is not in imminent danger. He has a lot of life left in him and would love to celebrate that with you.
Piano and painting
Morris is getting up to do a little painting today. He even played the piano for a short while. Some people asked if they can come and visit and the answer is yes. I just ask if you can use the Planner link here and just tell us roughly what time slot you will be coming over, this is to make sure we don't have too many guests at once. The time slots indicated are just for a time frame.Stronger
Everything must be kept in perspective but Morris is continuing to gain strength. He walks more, plays the piano more, paints more. This is going in a good direction. He is more alert with visitors--please use the PLANNER section here to plan your visit--just pick an empty slot on the calendar (use the WEEK view to see what is available) you are not committed to the entire slot but just giving us an indication of when to expect you.Morris's oncologist said at this rate if he continues to get stronger they can put him back on one of the milder anti-myeloma medicines. Stay tuned....
Steps forward ... and back
Feb. 24, 2006 9 a.m.
Today Morris is developing more bone pain from the Multiple Myeloma. This is not a good sign--and on the heels of such encouraging news yesterday. Oh well, I guess it is the old adage a few steps forward and a few steps back. We'll have to wait and see how this will develop. --Jonathan
Today Morris is developing more bone pain from the Multiple Myeloma. This is not a good sign--and on the heels of such encouraging news yesterday. Oh well, I guess it is the old adage a few steps forward and a few steps back. We'll have to wait and see how this will develop. --Jonathan
1:45 p.m. 2-24-16
Just returned from Morris' home. Jonathan told me that Morris has suffered a setback and is sleeping. So we sat in the kitchen and talked. He said Morris developed pain on the first day of their Mexico cruise so they flew home from Puerto Vallarte and discovered he had broken a rib. Then on Feb. 13, 2016, he was diagnosed with multiple meyoloma so they started him on chemotherapy. His body rejected the first two treatments. Then he had a heart attack and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. That weaken him so he could not try a lighter dose of chemotherapy. Now trying to rebuild his strength or he will die in 3-6 months.
Jonathan is a mess and can't really talk to anyone so I offered to lend a patient ear. Gave him my home and cell phone numbers.
But the book is done and the publisher just sent him a copy. Looks wonderful. I will pay $20 for an autographed copy.
I asked to see Morris and found him in the hallway sleeping on a gurney. He woke for a second or two, looked at me and fell back to sleep. I am very worried about my friend.
A book celebration
Yesterday
was a tough day early in the day when we had to scurry to find a way to
get this new pain under control. In mid afternoon the pain-level
medication level was figured out and he stabilized. Then came a medicine
that was invaluable: his published books arrived from the printer. They
are amazing. The colors came out great. A nice group of impromptu
visitors came to celebrate. Henry and Justin brought by a wonderful mean
and we had a little celebration, using a bottle of champagne we had
stored away for this very occasion.
Prepaid books will be shipping in the coming weeks when we receive shipping supplies.
If you want to buy a copy yourself, here is a link to order one:
https://squareup.com/store/arts-and-antiques
Prepaid books will be shipping in the coming weeks when we receive shipping supplies.
If you want to buy a copy yourself, here is a link to order one:
https://squareup.com/store/arts-and-antiques
Settling in
By Morris Taylor — Feb 26, 2016 2:11pm
So
after the 'breakthrough pain' from earlier in the week a kind of new
normal has settled in where Morris is taking more regular pain
management medications, but things are again settling in as Morris
continues to cautiously play the piano, paint and his new fulfilling
task: autographing books. Today seems a good day for him.
A night out
Morris had a very active day yesterday including his first book signing at The 15 Association Anniversary Dinner. They are an amazing wonderful group of people. Morris got to meet with old friends. It was an energizing night we stayed until about 9 am. He was tired when it was over.Noticeably weaker
Hi
Everyone, Morris is noticeably weaker he is also suffering from night
sweats of unknown origin. Keep in mind when visiting that he might be a
little low key but your visit is very much appreciated--remember to use
the planner here to put in the time slot you will come.
Morris also wanted me to remind everyone that his memoir is for sale on line at: https://squareup.com/store/arts-and-antiques
Morris also wants everyone to know how wonderful it is to be in San Francisco and surrounded but so much love and affection, it is really moving the care and support we have received. We are very grateful.
Morris also wanted me to remind everyone that his memoir is for sale on line at: https://squareup.com/store/arts-and-antiques
Morris also wants everyone to know how wonderful it is to be in San Francisco and surrounded but so much love and affection, it is really moving the care and support we have received. We are very grateful.
A Family Perk Up
Morris's
family is visiting this weekend. His son Lowell arrived with his wife
Melissa and two grand kids (Evan and Sarah as well as Evan's fiancee
Alissa). Their arrival really energized him and he even played the
piano again. Later this weekend his son Lyndon will arrive and then his
brother Billy from Maine arrives on Sunday until Monday. Very exciting
and fun times. Morris takes it very easy but has many great moments
still.
Photos
There
is a section on this journal for photos. I was wondering if people
would be interested in uploading photos here to share with other of
Morris's family and friends? I think it would make a nice tribute as
well as something Morris would like to look at occasionally.
Here is the link to upload photos: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/morristaylor/photos
Photos -- Revised
There is a section on this journal for photos. I was wondering if
people would be interested in uploading photos here to share with other
of Morris's family and friends? I think it would make a nice tribute as
well as something Morris would like to look at occasionally. Any photo
celebrating one or more of his 9 lives for a general audience would be
wonderful.
Email your photos to morris at morristaylor.net and i will see they get uploaded.
Increased energy
A concert
Morris's energy is still doing well. We stretched things a little by
going to a concert down the street of the Rainbow Symphony Orchestra.
He made it through the entire concert. On the downside, he also went to
gt his blood drawn and the results showed "Mild Heart Failure" I would
prefer no heart failure but on a google search this is better than
Moderate Heart Failure and Extreme Heart Failure. So I guess it is good
news.
Dinner surprises
Last night as I already related, Morris went out to a concert. it was preceded by the appearance of our friends Justin and Henry who prepared a marvelous dinner. They had driven up to the east bay in the rain and came to enjoy a great meal with us. This has been one of many extremely wonderful acts of kindness, friendship and love we have received. Our friends Eric and Tracy has bough wonderful meals, fresh fruit and gifts--I realize I cannot really list everybody there are so many but I did want to share one story about last Sunday--a week ago today.Last weekend Saturday was the 15 Association Anniversary Dinner. Morris braved going out--for the first time since his hospitalization--to meet friends and sign his new published book. We thought he would last 15 minutes or a half hour, he was so energized by the love and energy there that he stayed almost 2 hours. The next day Sunday was a bad day, he was quite weak and could hardly get out of bed. But many friends were in from out of town and he wanted to see them so badly he put up a great effort as about a half a dozen of his dear friends from the 15 showed up. It was getting close to dinner time, I had no food, but i had to get something ready for Morris--but at the same time i noted he was beginning to tire from talking with the small crowd that had developed. I was thinking of ways to politely ask people to leave when the doorbell rang. At the door was my friend Kunal with a big Indian Buffet of food he cooked himself. Everyone came to kitchen to have a hearty Indian meal, Morris ate in bed and his friends could meet with him one on one. The talks were more relaxed and easier for him.
It was a beautiful evening as it turned out, because Morris got a chance to have personal deep conversations with everyone, while also relaxing and getting some good food as well. It was a spontaneous wonderful evening. Not the first, but in the future i will do a better job of chronicling them.
Guardian angels continue to light the burden
Morris's energy continues to hold. He still tires himself out very quickly but he has the energy to play the piano, visit and move about.Visits really help lighten the day. Visits from Le Girl, Trudy were just wonderful. Eric also stopped by with another wonderful meal prepared by Tracy and topped with her soon to be award-winning chocolates. The warmth from friends and community continues to feed and inspire us.
Lowell's continued presence is also a great source of sustenance and support.
Tonight we were expecting more family visits but airports did not cooperate as both Morris's brother Billy and his son Lyndon were stuck in airports for several hours. We will be very happy to see them tomorrow.
Quiche. comfort and Dex
Our latest angel to stop by and visit was Deborah who brought by a
delicious Quiche. Her bright lovely presence helped brighten the day as
Morris continues to have days of strength and lucidity for which we are
very grateful. The doctors agree that this source new strength is at
least partly due to the addition of a steroid, Dexamethasone, to his
better living through chemicals regimen. We don't know how long this
will be effective for but we are grateful for every day.
Family Visits and visits in general
Morris had quite a family crowd this weekend. It included his brother Billy whom he has not seen for many many years. In addition to that we had his son Lowell and his family over and his other son Lyndon also came for a short visit. The visits were rejuvenating and brought much joy to the house. The visits can take their energy from him, so while you are visiting he could excuse himself to lie down--this is quite normal and no one should feel like they have overtired him or over stayed their visit. He has limited strength and Morris would rather tire himself out a little than be home alone. The visits are great. Please use the PLANNER section to plan the approximate time slot you will be coming.8
Most telling, was a sudden outburst earlier today. He pronounced most emphatically, with a sudden glee in his voice, "I am free!" It was odd. Lucy, then looked at a book he was reading months ago. It was entitled, "Th Soul's Journey." A spiritual interpretation of Dante's Inferno. It made the analogy of when entering heaven it is a feeling of unburdening at last one can cry, "I am free!"
His voice is low, lethargic and groggy. It is often difficult to understand. When Lyndon and Lucy arrived. I asked Morris, "Do you want to hear them play?" He shouted, "Oh yes!" And smiled a broad smile. He was in absolutely bliss as Lyndon and Lucy took turns playing so heart moving and beautifully.
Last night, Cat, our guardian angel who sits up with Morris each night, realized he had trouble breathing. At 2 am, a hospice nurse came over. It seemed he was transitioning to the final 'active dying phase." The transition could last hours or days. But the general consensus was we are in the final days of this journey of a man who has, in the words of the hospice Pastor, "Wrenched every drop of beauty that was to be had from this life."
The next message will be the last one of this Caring Bridge.
This Friday or Saturday will be a memorial celebration. He wants it to be feature music and the spirit of openness and acceptance that imbued his life. Details will follow.
"He wrung all the beauty there was to be had in this life."
EVERYONE WELCOMED!
Morris Taylor's Memorial is set for
Saturday, August 13, 2016
1:30 pm Service, 2:30 Reception
First Congregational United Church of Christ
1300 Polk Street, San Francisco
Morris loved flowers, but even more he loved to help others and requests, if you are so inclined, a donation to either Doctors Without Borders or the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom or the AIDS Memorial Grove.
In a future moment we will announce a life celebration of Morris Taylor, in time for the inclusion of our beloved friends and family from out of town.
Morris Taylor's Memorial is set for
Saturday, August 13, 2016
1:30 pm Service, 2:30 Reception
First Congregational United Church of Christ
1300 Polk Street, San Francisco
Morris loved flowers, but even more he loved to help others and requests, if you are so inclined, a donation to either Doctors Without Borders or the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom or the AIDS Memorial Grove.
In a future moment we will announce a life celebration of Morris Taylor, in time for the inclusion of our beloved friends and family from out of town.
Most telling, was a sudden outburst earlier today. He pronounced most emphatically, with a sudden glee in his voice, "I am free!" It was odd. Lucy, then looked at a book he was reading months ago. It was entitled, "Th Soul's Journey." A spiritual interpretation of Dante's Inferno. It made the analogy of when entering heaven it is a feeling of unburdening at last one can cry, "I am free!"
His voice is low, lethargic and groggy. It is often difficult to understand. When Lyndon and Lucy arrived. I asked Morris, "Do you want to hear them play?" He shouted, "Oh yes!" And smiled a broad smile. He was in absolutely bliss as Lyndon and Lucy took turns playing so heart moving and beautifully.
Last night, Cat, our guardian angel who sits up with Morris each night, realized he had trouble breathing. At 2 am, a hospice nurse came over. It seemed he was transitioning to the final 'active dying phase." The transition could last hours or days. But the general consensus was we are in the final days of this journey of a man who has, in the words of the hospice Pastor, "Wrenched every drop of beauty that was to be had from this life."
