Monday, January 21, 2008
Moving the Day-Bed
Today we moved Shelley's "day bed" into our living room. We hope to have an air mattress soon that will help in the prevention of bed sores. I have a cot beside her so I can keep an eye on her throughout the night. She sleeps most of the time and, although every movement exhausts her, continues to remain mostly comfortable. Sadly, she no longer is able to receive visitors. A very quiet household is what she now seeks as she wends her way through this part of her journey. How very quickly life has changed for us.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Tender Time
Dear Friends and Family,
Because Shelley no longer has the energy to focus on email communications (I haven't yet been able to read the last two days of emails to her but hope there will be a window of opportunity to do so today), I invite you now just to continue holding her in your thoughts and prayers that she might feel their presence and be warmed by them. Her low oxygen level plus her extreme tiredness makes it difficult for her to concentrate. She knows you have cast a wide "Shelley circle" around her and feels strengthened, encouraged, and comforted by the gift.
It is a tender and very precious time for us and, so far, most of the time my love is fairly comfortable. We have a bundle of new fluffy towels for her morning spas, five new flannel nities and an elegant new bed jacket to keep her cozy for those occasions when she is able to sit up in bed and hold court!
Because Shelley no longer has the energy to focus on email communications (I haven't yet been able to read the last two days of emails to her but hope there will be a window of opportunity to do so today), I invite you now just to continue holding her in your thoughts and prayers that she might feel their presence and be warmed by them. Her low oxygen level plus her extreme tiredness makes it difficult for her to concentrate. She knows you have cast a wide "Shelley circle" around her and feels strengthened, encouraged, and comforted by the gift.
It is a tender and very precious time for us and, so far, most of the time my love is fairly comfortable. We have a bundle of new fluffy towels for her morning spas, five new flannel nities and an elegant new bed jacket to keep her cozy for those occasions when she is able to sit up in bed and hold court!
Friday, January 18, 2008
A Wave
Before tucking in for the night, Shelley sends a wave to you and special birthday greetings to Diann Graham!
Time with the Sandman
Shelley is spending more time with the Sandman each day, grateful for the comfort sleep brings to her dear, tired body. Understandably, she also has very little appetite. Her tummy is still swollen but has not increased significantly. I am told the reason more fluid is not accumulating is that her body is probably absorbing the fluid which likely is contributing to her tiredness and daily decline. The palliative doctor will visit next week and make a decision then about whether or not to attempt withdrawal of the fluid again. In order to keep the pain at bay and reduce the "break through meds" Shelley requires each day, her slow release pain meds are being increased.
Someone recently asked me how I managed to write on the blog. She wondered "if it was a release for me?" I've pondered her question for a couple of days before the answer presented itself. The blog helps me know, as I continue to hold Shelley, that I am not alone. I know I have a vast community holding her with me and that puts a great deal of gratitude beside the profound ache in my heart. And - when I read your communications to her, I am reminded again and again of how much she has blessed all of us by her presence in our lives. It is these things that sustain.
Someone recently asked me how I managed to write on the blog. She wondered "if it was a release for me?" I've pondered her question for a couple of days before the answer presented itself. The blog helps me know, as I continue to hold Shelley, that I am not alone. I know I have a vast community holding her with me and that puts a great deal of gratitude beside the profound ache in my heart. And - when I read your communications to her, I am reminded again and again of how much she has blessed all of us by her presence in our lives. It is these things that sustain.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
A Busy Day Yesterday
We just finished our "spa and pampering time;" a wonderful image given to me that aptly describes our new morning ritual. Lots of fluffy towels, nice soap, and soothing creams!
Yesterday, our home was filled with lots of activity. Shelley's Occupational Therapist came twice to help adjust some of our new mechanical friends, a nurse from the V.O.N. paid her a visit, and then Monica Flynn - our beloved palliative nurse, came by. Each one cast their eyes and hearts over Shelley to see what they could do to make her life more comfortable.
Following discussions about a chair -lift, Shelley decided that she no longer had the energy it required to go outside, so she did not want one to be installed. The weather, let alone donning winter coats, scarfs, hats and boots, is enough to discourage anyone. She is just as pleased to remain within the comforts of her home.
Yesterday, our home was filled with lots of activity. Shelley's Occupational Therapist came twice to help adjust some of our new mechanical friends, a nurse from the V.O.N. paid her a visit, and then Monica Flynn - our beloved palliative nurse, came by. Each one cast their eyes and hearts over Shelley to see what they could do to make her life more comfortable.
Following discussions about a chair -lift, Shelley decided that she no longer had the energy it required to go outside, so she did not want one to be installed. The weather, let alone donning winter coats, scarfs, hats and boots, is enough to discourage anyone. She is just as pleased to remain within the comforts of her home.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Weekly Conversation with Friend
A snapshot of Shelley talking with a long time friend from Ontario who is also in a "cancer journey" and with whom Shelley talks weekly.
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