Getting a Rhythm

A quiet and gentle day!

We have just had some time with Quaker friends sitting with them in silence – taking the time to enter into/hold onto the fullness of life.

Our days and nights are beginning to take something of a regular shape which, of course, will be totally shifted if and when the chemo begins in a week or so. In the mean time, we are enjoying the occasional short visit from close friends and even beginning to think about times when friends from Ontario might make jaunts down. All this is somewhat time bound by the course of chemo I will have (says she hopefully!). On that score, I am preparing myself for the oncology assessment this Thursday. I continue to eat well and I’m developing more energy by taking daily “walks”. In addition, my bodily functions are beginning to find a more “normal” pattern. It is quite amazing to hear myself wax on and on about the function of bowels.

Being Sunday (and cheap telephone rates), I had a long conversation with my cousin Doris (in England) who is in her late seventies. It was Doris’ mother (Aunt Thirza) who raised me - so we have some early years when we were, essentially, sisters. The distance is hard for Doris so she continues to search for ways to be in touch. Recently, for instance, she sent me a remarkable card painted by one of her granddaughters that included a tea bag and a picture of people at a tea party. In it was a written invitation, “Would you like to come for tea?”

Because I am feeling much stronger, this is the first day we have not had the V.O.N. drop by to take a pulse rate, blood pressure, and listen for “belly” sounds etc. The service is just amazing! How blessed we are that we live in a country where such a wonderful service is free.

You brief calls, e-mails and signs of your care are dearly cherished.

.

Visit with the Surgeon

Just came in from a walk around the Crescent – about 100 yards. We went to see the surgeon on Wednesday who will see me again in about two months. The Stent seems to be holding. I also had the chance to consult with a doctor in the oncology department who explained to me that, normally, a person needs to wait at least two weeks following the surgical procedure before chemo treatments can begin. I will keep the scheduled appointment with my original Oncologist and see him next Thursday, the 13th. At that time, it will be determined whether or not I have sufficient energy and strength to go forward with chemo. Apparently a person needs LOTS of energy to withstand the initial effects, so I want to start out on a strong foot. My goal then is to gain energy every day so that in a week’s time I will be ready.

Gosh I reall understand the meaning of the phrase "to take one day at a tiime"

Once again, we are working our way into yet another new realty. Returning from the hospital on Saturday gave me an appreciation for those who say "I am all washed up" or "I just ran out of steam". I have never had the experience of Saturday where I managed to get up the stairs and across the floor to the chair but was unable to lift my arms, legs or a cushion once I arrived there. I was completely spent as well as totally parched and in desperate need of water.

The last couple of days we have, once again, been replenishing the larder - water, juice, food, rest etc. - so that I have some reserve for the day. My "recovery" is coming along more quickly than when I first returned home from the hospital one week ago today.

My routine has been to wake up around 5:30 a.m. and head to bed around 7:00 p.m. Each day the Victoria Order of Nurses (V.O.N.) comes to do blood pressure checks etc. The present concern is to get the bowels moving once again. The nausea has disappeared and the pain is well regulated by the drugs. When there is pain, it does seem to be more related to bowel pressure than anything else. Close friends and family have been coming to stay with me while Diane does various errands around town.

We are in the process of putting a bathroom in the study on the ground floor. It is already plumbed for a sink and toilet so it is just a matter of linking stuff up. Today, the Red Cross delivered a hospital bed that will also be in the study/den. It will make it easier for me to rest before heading up to the main floor whenever I arrive home from medical appointments.

I have saved up the energy to make one trip down to the study to do this and hope, with the changes on the ground floor, to be able to come down once a day.

This note came across my lap today - "For all that has been, Thanks.
"To all that shall be, yes. "

Gosh doesn't this life give meaning to "taking it one day at a time"

Gosh doesn

Oops!

Between Shelley's entry and my "helpful?" editing of Friday's blog, we managed to communicate a wrong message to you. The blog and emails continue to be the best ways for keeping in touch with Shelley, not the phone. Calls still require a bit too much energy from her just now. Thanks!

Four Men in the Bedroom

When four men visited us at 5:00 A.M. this morning, they asked Shelley what she thought of having four men in her bedroom. She said, "I don't mind, but my partner might!" Shelley decided to have another 'Wolf Parkinson's White syndrome episode (rapid heart rate) which meant another trip to the hospital - this time enjoying the bumpy ride of an ambulance. All was stabilized within an hour and a half and by nine o'clock we were back in our home. Shelly now has meds to take should she have another episode "to keep the four men out of her bedroom!" :-) So - today is a gentle recovery day for her and one in which we are fondly remembering Sept. 1 twelve years ago when we celebrated our covenanting service in the home of our friend Pam Brown.