Large print inside the 14-page guide details what she, her daughter and husband can expect in coming days and weeks as her brother, Juan Viera Colon, faces the end of his life.
Doctors cannot predict when Colon will die, only that the time will come as toxins build in his body. He is 49 years old and has kidney failure stemming from other physical health problems. Colon also has a heart condition and chronic high blood pressure; doctors say he has mild mental retardation.
He ended life-saving dialysis June 10, a decision he made after three years of treatment, and one that his family and doctors support.
"He doesn't want to do it
Speaking via an interpreter, Colon said he isn't afraid. Each time he had dialysis, effects such as cramps, chills, fever and mood changes become worse.
He's had enough treatment, says he will not return to a hospital, and has given orders that "no heroic measures" be taken as his health deteriorates, as his body shuts down.
Now he and his family prepare to say goodbye, which is where the blue pamphlet comes in.
Letting go: An employee of Visiting Nurse Association's Hospice Services gave the booklet to Garcia in recent weeks to familiarize her and the rest of the family with death
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This is the first in a series that looks at the last stage of life through the eyes of Juan Viera Colon and his family. The family continues to grapple with life and death decisions, doing their best to ensure Colon's comfort whether here in York County or in Puerto Rico. Tuesday's story will focus on Colon's life in his new home and the challenges he and his family face as his health continues to decline. |
It outlines withdrawal from activities and people. Just two weeks ago, Colon was happy to sit and talk with his family. He was up early -- by 6:30 a.m. -- cooked his own breakfast and happily listened to music. Sometimes he took
walks just outside his father's East Philadelphia Street apartment.
The city is much different from his native Puerto Rico, the place he left in January following the death of his mother. He doesn't drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes. Colon never married, doesn't have any children.
His mental disability prevented him from holding a steady job, but he worked off and on at a cemetery, helping with landscaping, digging graves.
Back home, he socialized at family functions. He danced, he laughed and, gauging by photographs, was happy. He has always been shy, but in recent weeks has become more withdrawn. He is content to sit alone on a second-floor balcony and watch goings-on along the street below.
Already, the decline the pamphlet discusses has begun. His appetite has decreased, which occurs because the body doesn't need as much fuel as it begins to shut down. He sleeps later in the morning, takes a couple of naps each day and tends to go to bed earlier, too.
The hospice approach: Hospice philosophy is simply to care for patients with respect, and dignity, said Kelly Osmolinski Smith, clinical manager of VNA. She said some people perceive refusal of treatment as giving up. But hospice care is not provided unless two doctors deem the person's life expectancy is six months or less.
For Colon, home is now an efficiency apartment on North Pine Street he shares with Garcia and her husband, Hector Garcia. She insisted she take care of him during his final weeks.
These days it overflows with family: the Garcias, Colon's 18-year-old niece, Abby Laboy, and stepparents who occupy an apartment across the hall.
"It's hard, but it's a reality we all have to go through at some point," Nilda Garcia said about Colon's impending death. "I just want to take care of him, be with him until he takes his last breath. He deserves that."
-- Reach Kathy Stevens at 505-5437 or ksteven s@yorkdispatch.com.
Donations
Juan Viera Colon is 49 years old, has numerous health conditions and stopped dialysis that doctors say would prolong his life but not enhance it. Because of his health problems, he does not qualify for a transplant and has never been able to obtain life insurance. The family asks the public's help in covering funeral expenses.
Donations may be made mailed or made in person payable to: Juan Viera Colon Funeral Fund, c/o M & T Bank, 21 E. Market St., York, PA 17401; contact M & T's customer representative Myrta Lopez-Flores to verify account information.
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