From Spotlight on Health Nov./Dec. 2008

After John Paul’s health worsened drastically in October 2007, doctors told Renee Paul that nothing more could be done for her husband of 53 years. John had been diagnosed in 2002 with
pulmonary fibrosis, the disease that claimed motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel’s life. John’s lungs had become increasingly fibrous and unable to supply him with oxygen. John’s pulmonologist, David Shuster, M.D., of CentraCare Clinic, recommended hospice care. But Renee, a retired St. Cloud Hospital emergency room nurse, was leery.

Renee Paul holds a picture of her late husband, John, who died in May. Michele Rosha, left, and Lesa Roy were part of the Hospice support team that provided care and comfort to the Paul family.

“I knew I wanted to provide better care for John, but I wasn’t ready for Hospice,” Renee said. Perhaps it was the finality of it, or the thought of having a hospital bed in the middle of their living room that made Renee hesitate. Finally, in January, she agreed to Hospice care for John. Now Renee recommends that others in that situation opt for Hospice as early as possible. “I needed the support and guidance of Hospice,” Renee said. Lesa Roy, R.N., Hospice nurse, said Hospice frees up the family to concentrate on a loved one without worrying about the little things.

“We are a go-between for families, the patient and the doctor,” Roy said.

“Most don’t understand Hospice care until they need it,” said Mary Eisenschenk, R.N, Home Care and Hospice outreach coordinator for St. Cloud Hospital. “It is here to support patients and families.”

At first, a Hospice nurse would go to the Paul home once a week, then more frequently toward the end. Renee said she really appreciated how Roy was honest about John’s condition, giving her the
ability to plan appropriately. And the support of Hospice chaplain, Michele Rosha, proved invaluable. They would talk, pray and share communion together. Their parish priest and communion ministers were frequent visitors as well.

“Dying at home was frightening to me,” Renee said. “It turned out to be absolutely beautiful.”

Having John at home through the entire final illness without being hospitalized was such a blessing, Renee said. Friends and family could come and go as they wished. Surrounded by Renee and family, John peacefully died at home in May.

“The miracle I prayed for was for John to get well. The miracle I got was for John to be home.”

Learn more about St. Cloud Hospital Hospice services.