(posted by Greg)
For the most part, it has been a quiet week since the meeting with the Oncologist. Monica and Marley have been around home or visiting Oma and Opa. I have been working quite a bit.
On Monday, Monica, Marley and I are participating in a program at the Cancer Agency. It is a program for people ( and their caregivers) who have completed active treatment. I think it will be reinforcing some of the concepts about how exercise, nutrition, goal-setting etc can help. On Tuesday, Monica has a group follow-up session at Inspire Health and on Wednesday the regular support group meets. So, we will have a busy "cancer" s schedule next week.
We will be trying to see Oma and Opa a couple of times over this weekend.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Monica, Marley, Jesse and I met with the oncologist today to review the results of yesterday's MRI.The term the Dr. used was "mixed bag". Apparently, the area where the tumour had been removed looked good. However, he noticed something which could be a tumour in an area deeper in her brain which had been noticed before the radiation and which was the object of some of the radiation treatments. He wants Monica to come back in 8 weeks (this will be a Merry Xmas!) and to have another MRI at that time to see if it is growing (and how fast). Apparently, there is another drug which they might prescribe if it is a tumour. However, they will not use this drug until they know for sure what they are looking at (there is at least some chance that it could be scarring/swelling from the radiation.) because this particular drug can have serious side effects.We are supposed to monitor Monica and let him know if, in the interim, she develops any symptoms.
The Dr. examined Monica neurologically and, all in all, she seemed to do ok.
Monica took all this quite well. However, in the last few days she has had some limited re-occurrence with "catching" her right foot occasionally when she is walking. So, I think, despite her outward reaction, she is worried. (She mentioned that she thought she could notice some right side weakness when the Dr. was testing her). Later in the afternoon Monica skyped Daniel and was telling him about the visit to the the Doctor. Daniel's reaction to her explanation triggered an emotional reaction in Monica and she started to cry (something which she has not done a lot of so far). It is hard to see her cry-difficult to find the right words (or any words for that matter) or actions to console her.
As I have said before, our daily routine and Monica's present state of health "lulls" us into forgetting the nature of the struggle she is engaged in. A visit like today's is a kind of sobering reminder of that situation and the need to make sure that every day we have our priorities set correctly.
Monica, Marley, Jesse and I met with the oncologist today to review the results of yesterday's MRI.The term the Dr. used was "mixed bag". Apparently, the area where the tumour had been removed looked good. However, he noticed something which could be a tumour in an area deeper in her brain which had been noticed before the radiation and which was the object of some of the radiation treatments. He wants Monica to come back in 8 weeks (this will be a Merry Xmas!) and to have another MRI at that time to see if it is growing (and how fast). Apparently, there is another drug which they might prescribe if it is a tumour. However, they will not use this drug until they know for sure what they are looking at (there is at least some chance that it could be scarring/swelling from the radiation.) because this particular drug can have serious side effects.We are supposed to monitor Monica and let him know if, in the interim, she develops any symptoms.
The Dr. examined Monica neurologically and, all in all, she seemed to do ok.
Monica took all this quite well. However, in the last few days she has had some limited re-occurrence with "catching" her right foot occasionally when she is walking. So, I think, despite her outward reaction, she is worried. (She mentioned that she thought she could notice some right side weakness when the Dr. was testing her). Later in the afternoon Monica skyped Daniel and was telling him about the visit to the the Doctor. Daniel's reaction to her explanation triggered an emotional reaction in Monica and she started to cry (something which she has not done a lot of so far). It is hard to see her cry-difficult to find the right words (or any words for that matter) or actions to console her.
As I have said before, our daily routine and Monica's present state of health "lulls" us into forgetting the nature of the struggle she is engaged in. A visit like today's is a kind of sobering reminder of that situation and the need to make sure that every day we have our priorities set correctly.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Marley took Monica to the B.C. Cancer Agency today for her MRI. It was nice to have the test completed. However, I can't help but be a bit nervous about the results. Monica meets with the oncologist tomorrow morning so we should learn more about what the tumour is doing (or not - hopefully).
Marley took Monica to the B.C. Cancer Agency today for her MRI. It was nice to have the test completed. However, I can't help but be a bit nervous about the results. Monica meets with the oncologist tomorrow morning so we should learn more about what the tumour is doing (or not - hopefully).
Sunday, October 23, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Not a lot to blog about for the past couple of days. I have been working quite hard. Monica has been doing well and fairly active around home. We have both spent quite a bit of time driving to see Monica's Mom and Dad.
Monica's MRI was postponed from Friday until Monday at 2:00 p.m. Our follow up with the oncologist is still scheduled for Tuesday.
We were surprised at how Oma has improved in the last week or so. She is settling into the care facility quite well and is really trying (and with some success) to get some mobility back. She had Marley take her on a short walk with her walker today and I was surprised how well she did (although it still winds her.).
Not a lot to blog about for the past couple of days. I have been working quite hard. Monica has been doing well and fairly active around home. We have both spent quite a bit of time driving to see Monica's Mom and Dad.
Monica's MRI was postponed from Friday until Monday at 2:00 p.m. Our follow up with the oncologist is still scheduled for Tuesday.
We were surprised at how Oma has improved in the last week or so. She is settling into the care facility quite well and is really trying (and with some success) to get some mobility back. She had Marley take her on a short walk with her walker today and I was surprised how well she did (although it still winds her.).
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Monica and I attended an evening session of the Brain Tumour Support Group at the Cancer Agency. I am wondering if you can get "hooked" on these sessions. I find that I look forward to going to them and I am invariably moved and stimulated by them. Monica didn't feel so strongly about going but was happy to go and always seems to like the sessions.
Wednesday's session had some different attendees and was interesting from that point of view. Once again there were some moving stories and a certain "bonding" seems to take place from the sharing of those stories. I think too that everyone feels not so alone when they hear the stories of others.
When Monica was in active treatments and had something to do every day, we felt like we were doing something to combat the cancer. We realize that by following our nutrition guidelines etc we are still fighting the cancer but it is much less tangible. I think that participating in the group sessions makes us feel like we are doing something.. (This might explain why I like going?)
One of the benefits of going also is the hope that is engendered when you hear some success stories. The following is an excerpt from a newsletter that was handed out (and so is not confidential) which tells the story of a young man who was diagnosed in February 2004 with a tumour similar to Monica's:
" A week later, my family and I received the devastating news : grade 4 astrocytoma (glioblastoma), a fast growng and aggressive form of brain cancer with a poor prognosis. It was hard for us all to hear. After giving me the news about the prognosis, my surgeon...drew a survival curve explaining that although this curve represented the statistical prognosis, I was an individual and not a statistic. He said that I could be on the long-term survival end of the curve, and I wouldn't be the first person to do that . It was from this point that I made the decision to take an active role in doing whatever I could to be part of the survival end of that curve.
Treatment began a month or so after diagnosis: six weeks of radiation with concurrent temozolomide (TMZ), chemotherapy pills that looked like poison to me. I was not able to complete the chemotherapy regime because of the effects on my blood cells in the fourth week, but I thought that perhaps this was a sign that my body was very sensitive to the drug. In the fall of 2004, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the tumour had indeed shrunk, but a year later the tumour grew back and I enrolled in a clinical trial. The clinical trial drug I was given, lapatanib, proved to be ineffective in treating brain tumours. So, I started back on TMZ treatment again for the first eight months of 2006, and thankfully, this was effective in shrinking the tumour. It has not recurred since then.
I believe that a combination of my tumour's biology and its responsiveness to treatment, but also my personal fight against the cancer, resulted in this success. My personal battle has involved meditation, exercise, prayer, art, top-notch care at BCCA and most importantly a very close network of family and friends.
This is one of the stories that gives me some hope (particularly because of the many similarities to Monica's situation).
For more information on this young man, Yaron Butterfield, see this link: www.braintumour.ca/2367/the-many-faces-of-spring-sprint
Monica and I attended an evening session of the Brain Tumour Support Group at the Cancer Agency. I am wondering if you can get "hooked" on these sessions. I find that I look forward to going to them and I am invariably moved and stimulated by them. Monica didn't feel so strongly about going but was happy to go and always seems to like the sessions.
Wednesday's session had some different attendees and was interesting from that point of view. Once again there were some moving stories and a certain "bonding" seems to take place from the sharing of those stories. I think too that everyone feels not so alone when they hear the stories of others.
When Monica was in active treatments and had something to do every day, we felt like we were doing something to combat the cancer. We realize that by following our nutrition guidelines etc we are still fighting the cancer but it is much less tangible. I think that participating in the group sessions makes us feel like we are doing something.. (This might explain why I like going?)
One of the benefits of going also is the hope that is engendered when you hear some success stories. The following is an excerpt from a newsletter that was handed out (and so is not confidential) which tells the story of a young man who was diagnosed in February 2004 with a tumour similar to Monica's:
" A week later, my family and I received the devastating news : grade 4 astrocytoma (glioblastoma), a fast growng and aggressive form of brain cancer with a poor prognosis. It was hard for us all to hear. After giving me the news about the prognosis, my surgeon...drew a survival curve explaining that although this curve represented the statistical prognosis, I was an individual and not a statistic. He said that I could be on the long-term survival end of the curve, and I wouldn't be the first person to do that . It was from this point that I made the decision to take an active role in doing whatever I could to be part of the survival end of that curve.
Treatment began a month or so after diagnosis: six weeks of radiation with concurrent temozolomide (TMZ), chemotherapy pills that looked like poison to me. I was not able to complete the chemotherapy regime because of the effects on my blood cells in the fourth week, but I thought that perhaps this was a sign that my body was very sensitive to the drug. In the fall of 2004, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the tumour had indeed shrunk, but a year later the tumour grew back and I enrolled in a clinical trial. The clinical trial drug I was given, lapatanib, proved to be ineffective in treating brain tumours. So, I started back on TMZ treatment again for the first eight months of 2006, and thankfully, this was effective in shrinking the tumour. It has not recurred since then.
I believe that a combination of my tumour's biology and its responsiveness to treatment, but also my personal fight against the cancer, resulted in this success. My personal battle has involved meditation, exercise, prayer, art, top-notch care at BCCA and most importantly a very close network of family and friends.
This is one of the stories that gives me some hope (particularly because of the many similarities to Monica's situation).
For more information on this young man, Yaron Butterfield, see this link: www.braintumour.ca/2367/the-many-faces-of-spring-sprint
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Monica, Marley and I had flu shots at the office today. ( I was surprised that Monica would be allowed to take it because of her low immunity but it was recommended that she take it along with everyone living with her). Monica and Marley then met Ingo to have a look at some power wheelchairs for Oma and spent a good part of the afternoon with Oma and Opa. Oma, I am told was not too bad again today.
Monica needs to have her blood tested before her MRI on Friday. So, we will be visiting the lab again tomorrow. There is a special "evening" meeting of the brain tumour support group tomorrow night and I think that we will try to go.
I am not sure how I feel about the MRI. We have been in a kind of "holding pattern" for some time now and Monica has been symptom free and not doing too badly. So, it is easy to forget exactly what is going on. The MRI and the follow up meeting with the oncologist will bring us face-to-face with Monica's issues again.
Monica, Marley and I had flu shots at the office today. ( I was surprised that Monica would be allowed to take it because of her low immunity but it was recommended that she take it along with everyone living with her). Monica and Marley then met Ingo to have a look at some power wheelchairs for Oma and spent a good part of the afternoon with Oma and Opa. Oma, I am told was not too bad again today.
Monica needs to have her blood tested before her MRI on Friday. So, we will be visiting the lab again tomorrow. There is a special "evening" meeting of the brain tumour support group tomorrow night and I think that we will try to go.
I am not sure how I feel about the MRI. We have been in a kind of "holding pattern" for some time now and Monica has been symptom free and not doing too badly. So, it is easy to forget exactly what is going on. The MRI and the follow up meeting with the oncologist will bring us face-to-face with Monica's issues again.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Sunday, October 15, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Not a lot to blog about for the past couple of days. Monica and I have made several trips to Langley to visit Oma and Opa at their care home. Oma was better today than she has been. I admire her spirit and determination. She is working hard to try to improve her mobility. She moves her feet as a form of exercise and has Marley and Jesse help her exercise her legs. She had them help her walk a bit today as well.
Opa seems to be settling in reasonably well. His feet are bothering him and Ingo is taking him to a vascular specialist tomorrow.
Not a lot to blog about for the past couple of days. Monica and I have made several trips to Langley to visit Oma and Opa at their care home. Oma was better today than she has been. I admire her spirit and determination. She is working hard to try to improve her mobility. She moves her feet as a form of exercise and has Marley and Jesse help her exercise her legs. She had them help her walk a bit today as well.
Opa seems to be settling in reasonably well. His feet are bothering him and Ingo is taking him to a vascular specialist tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Monica and I made another trip to visit Oma and Opa after supper. When we arrived, Oma was in a lot of discomfort. She seems to be having quite a few "panic" attacks and they seem to get worse when she is in bed and trying to sleep. I am beginning to think that it is a "physical" response to the trouble that she is having breathing.
Monica stayed with her mother and tried to help her sleep while I visited with Opa. The visit upset Monica and caused her to cry quite a bit. She didn't like to see her mother in this condition and she felt bad that her mother had to see her suffering the effects of her treatments etc.
My visit with Opa was quite good. I think he is settling in (although he seemed happy to have another visitor).
Marley returns from her visit to her boyfriend. Monica and I will be picking her up at midnight.
Monica and I made another trip to visit Oma and Opa after supper. When we arrived, Oma was in a lot of discomfort. She seems to be having quite a few "panic" attacks and they seem to get worse when she is in bed and trying to sleep. I am beginning to think that it is a "physical" response to the trouble that she is having breathing.
Monica stayed with her mother and tried to help her sleep while I visited with Opa. The visit upset Monica and caused her to cry quite a bit. She didn't like to see her mother in this condition and she felt bad that her mother had to see her suffering the effects of her treatments etc.
My visit with Opa was quite good. I think he is settling in (although he seemed happy to have another visitor).
Marley returns from her visit to her boyfriend. Monica and I will be picking her up at midnight.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Tuesday, October 11,2011
(posted by Greg)
On Monday Daniel left for Boise. It was nice seeing him again so soon. Monica and I visited her parents again. We will have to work on the scheduling and timing for these visits as, including travel, even a brief visit takes 3 hours.
Monica and I felt sorry for both Oma and Opa. Opa had spent quite a bit of time alone in his room and Oma continues to be very weak and, while resigned to her lot, not happy with it. Monica and I took Oma to Opa's building while he ate dinner. He seemed to enjoy the dinner and the conversation with his tablemates. After dinner we took them both to Opa's room for a visit. I had the distinct impression that, in some way, Oma enjoyed being with Opa, in part, because she still plays a lead role in the relationship.
On Tuesday, I worked late but Moncia and I still made a quick (3 hour) visit to Langley. Opa seemed glad to see us but was in a pretty good mood. He had spent most of the day with Ingo doing chores and making some medical appointments. Oma was in her bed already but we had pretty good visit with her.
The Cancer Agency called today and confirmed Moncia's MRI appointment for October 21st . We should get some feedback on the effectiveness of Monica's treatment at the follow-up appointment with the oncologist on October 25th
On Monday Daniel left for Boise. It was nice seeing him again so soon. Monica and I visited her parents again. We will have to work on the scheduling and timing for these visits as, including travel, even a brief visit takes 3 hours.
Monica and I felt sorry for both Oma and Opa. Opa had spent quite a bit of time alone in his room and Oma continues to be very weak and, while resigned to her lot, not happy with it. Monica and I took Oma to Opa's building while he ate dinner. He seemed to enjoy the dinner and the conversation with his tablemates. After dinner we took them both to Opa's room for a visit. I had the distinct impression that, in some way, Oma enjoyed being with Opa, in part, because she still plays a lead role in the relationship.
On Tuesday, I worked late but Moncia and I still made a quick (3 hour) visit to Langley. Opa seemed glad to see us but was in a pretty good mood. He had spent most of the day with Ingo doing chores and making some medical appointments. Oma was in her bed already but we had pretty good visit with her.
The Cancer Agency called today and confirmed Moncia's MRI appointment for October 21st . We should get some feedback on the effectiveness of Monica's treatment at the follow-up appointment with the oncologist on October 25th
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
We moved Opa and his belongings to the care home today. It was an emotional experience for him but, while it showed occasionally, he put on a pretty brave face and handled it quite well. I quite liked his suite and was generally impressed with his part of the care home. Once we got him settled in, we brought Oma to his Opa's suite and had some good family time. Ingo is going back to have supper with Opa tonight.
Oma is trying her best to settle in but is still feeling "panicky" and is not really happy with her situation. Hopefully, time will take care of some of this because she really does need the kind of care that they can provide.
The move went quite well. My brother Pat came with his big truck and his brother-in-law, Ken, so with Daniel, Jesse, Monica, Ingo and myself we had enough room in the vehicles and lots of help.
Oma is trying her best to settle in but is still feeling "panicky" and is not really happy with her situation. Hopefully, time will take care of some of this because she really does need the kind of care that they can provide.
The move went quite well. My brother Pat came with his big truck and his brother-in-law, Ken, so with Daniel, Jesse, Monica, Ingo and myself we had enough room in the vehicles and lots of help.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Monica, Daniel and I went to visit Oma at her new care home in Langley. The home (and her room) is very nice and the staff seem to be be nice as well. Unfortunately, for some reason Oma is not reacting well to the change. She has been experiencing panic attacks and is already trying to figure out how she can go back to her own home (which is not really an option any more). Tomorrow we are moving some of her furniture to make her room more comfortable and will likely move Opa (or at least his things) as well. Oma realizes that she needs the care which this care facility provides and hopefully she will settle in as time passes.
I think Monica finds all of this hard to take.I have no doubt that she feels bad for her mom and dad and that she feels guilty for not being able to help more.
Monica, Daniel and I went to visit Oma at her new care home in Langley. The home (and her room) is very nice and the staff seem to be be nice as well. Unfortunately, for some reason Oma is not reacting well to the change. She has been experiencing panic attacks and is already trying to figure out how she can go back to her own home (which is not really an option any more). Tomorrow we are moving some of her furniture to make her room more comfortable and will likely move Opa (or at least his things) as well. Oma realizes that she needs the care which this care facility provides and hopefully she will settle in as time passes.
I think Monica finds all of this hard to take.I have no doubt that she feels bad for her mom and dad and that she feels guilty for not being able to help more.
Friday, October 7, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Not much to blog about today. Daniel and I were busy at a conference so Monica was home alone for most of the day. The 3 of us had a nice dinner. I think Monica enjoys having Daniel around (particularly with the house so quiet with Marley away).
Oma was moved (we understand successfully) today from Richmond Hospital to the care home. She was able to phone Monica from there.
Not much to blog about today. Daniel and I were busy at a conference so Monica was home alone for most of the day. The 3 of us had a nice dinner. I think Monica enjoys having Daniel around (particularly with the house so quiet with Marley away).
Oma was moved (we understand successfully) today from Richmond Hospital to the care home. She was able to phone Monica from there.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Monica and I went to the airport this afternoon to pick up Daniel who is visiting for the weekend from Boise. After picking him up, we all went to the hospital to visit Oma. I returned to work for a while while Daniel and Monica did some banking and chores. Jesse joined us for a dinner and we had a nice evening.
It was confirmed that Monica's mother will be moved from the hospital to the care home tomorrow. I can't help but admire how she has thought things through and seems to be at peace with how things are playing out.
Tomorrow Daniel and I are off to a legal technology conference together.
Monica and I went to the airport this afternoon to pick up Daniel who is visiting for the weekend from Boise. After picking him up, we all went to the hospital to visit Oma. I returned to work for a while while Daniel and Monica did some banking and chores. Jesse joined us for a dinner and we had a nice evening.
It was confirmed that Monica's mother will be moved from the hospital to the care home tomorrow. I can't help but admire how she has thought things through and seems to be at peace with how things are playing out.
Tomorrow Daniel and I are off to a legal technology conference together.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Monica and I again attended the Brain Tumour Support Group today. Although each session follows a set format, no one session is the same as the participants change from month to month and the discussions have a life of their own. This session was a very emotional one. Today there were more participants who have young children and one of them was only just diagnosed with a tumour which would normally result in a short life expectancy. The very emotional discussions again really underlined a couple of key points: the importance of appreciating each moment, the value of everyday things which we take for granted when we are healthy and the importance and value of relationships with family and friends. Some of the participants are long-time survivors who continue to attend the sessions to help others by passing along their experiences (and by being living examples that the statistical prognoses are not always accurate).
Monica and I then had a chance to connect with our friends, Tony and Liz, for nice lunch/visit.
In the evening we again visited Oma. Apparently, the Drs have indicated that there is a good chance that she will be transferred to the care home which has been arranged this week. I really admire her attitude but I can't help but worry about how she will be able to continue to cope with her problems and what quality of life that she will have.
Daniel is flying home tomorrow for some business and a weekend visit . We are looking forward to seeing him again so soon.
Monica and I again attended the Brain Tumour Support Group today. Although each session follows a set format, no one session is the same as the participants change from month to month and the discussions have a life of their own. This session was a very emotional one. Today there were more participants who have young children and one of them was only just diagnosed with a tumour which would normally result in a short life expectancy. The very emotional discussions again really underlined a couple of key points: the importance of appreciating each moment, the value of everyday things which we take for granted when we are healthy and the importance and value of relationships with family and friends. Some of the participants are long-time survivors who continue to attend the sessions to help others by passing along their experiences (and by being living examples that the statistical prognoses are not always accurate).
Monica and I then had a chance to connect with our friends, Tony and Liz, for nice lunch/visit.
In the evening we again visited Oma. Apparently, the Drs have indicated that there is a good chance that she will be transferred to the care home which has been arranged this week. I really admire her attitude but I can't help but worry about how she will be able to continue to cope with her problems and what quality of life that she will have.
Daniel is flying home tomorrow for some business and a weekend visit . We are looking forward to seeing him again so soon.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
(posted by Greg)
Monica has been home alone yesterday and today. She has been alternating resting quite a bit and tackling miscellaneous jobs around the house. I think that, on one level at least, she is enjoying the quiet time but she does seem happy to see me (strange as that may seem) when I get home.
We have gone to visit Oma at the hospital each of the last couple of evenings. The visits have been good and Oma seems to be stable (maybe even a bit better). Ingo took his father to the care home which they are looking at and, by all accounts, that went well. So, we seem to be progressing to a situation where they will both be in a the same care home (but with separate rooms and different levels of care).
We are still waiting for the results of Monica's last blood test.Tomorrow Monica and I go to the Brain Tumour Support Group meeting so perhaps we will get the results then. We are also going to meet our friends, Tony and Liz, who are visiting from Saltspring Island for lunch tomorrow.
Monica has been home alone yesterday and today. She has been alternating resting quite a bit and tackling miscellaneous jobs around the house. I think that, on one level at least, she is enjoying the quiet time but she does seem happy to see me (strange as that may seem) when I get home.
We have gone to visit Oma at the hospital each of the last couple of evenings. The visits have been good and Oma seems to be stable (maybe even a bit better). Ingo took his father to the care home which they are looking at and, by all accounts, that went well. So, we seem to be progressing to a situation where they will both be in a the same care home (but with separate rooms and different levels of care).
We are still waiting for the results of Monica's last blood test.Tomorrow Monica and I go to the Brain Tumour Support Group meeting so perhaps we will get the results then. We are also going to meet our friends, Tony and Liz, who are visiting from Saltspring Island for lunch tomorrow.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
(posted by Greg)
First some random thoughts:
- Are we going to the lab too much if the nurse at station 4 says "Good morning Mr. Greiner take your usual seat:?
- Is there a lab or hospital with a loyalty program for airmiles?
-I wonder if Joe Bfstplk * belonged to a support group?
(*Al Capp reference for appropriate generations)
Monica and I have been busy making trips back and forth to Richmond to visit Opa in Steveston and Oma at the hospital. To my non-medical eyes Oma's condition remains more or less the same. We had a chance to watch her try and walk with the hospital staff today. You could see the determination in her face but she could only take about ten steps before she had to stop to rest and catch her breath. It is hard for her to talk too long for the same reason.
Opa seemed not too bad today. Ingo had been with him in the morning. Monica and I took him to the hospital to visit Oma and then had a Greek Salad that I had made for supper.
Monica has been taking naps but otherwise is holding up pretty well. She had a blood test late on Friday but we haven't got the results yet. We have another support group meeting this coming week
The Cancer Agency is running a research project on patients and caregivers who have finished their active treatments. We have been invited (and agreed to) to participate. In addition to being interviewed, we will be participating in a one-day seminar designed to help patients and caregivers through this phase. I think it will be similar to InspireHealth (talks on maintaining caregiver health, goal-setting etc) but I expect it to be a useful reinforcement.
First some random thoughts:
- Are we going to the lab too much if the nurse at station 4 says "Good morning Mr. Greiner take your usual seat:?
- Is there a lab or hospital with a loyalty program for airmiles?
-I wonder if Joe Bfstplk * belonged to a support group?
(*Al Capp reference for appropriate generations)
Monica and I have been busy making trips back and forth to Richmond to visit Opa in Steveston and Oma at the hospital. To my non-medical eyes Oma's condition remains more or less the same. We had a chance to watch her try and walk with the hospital staff today. You could see the determination in her face but she could only take about ten steps before she had to stop to rest and catch her breath. It is hard for her to talk too long for the same reason.
Opa seemed not too bad today. Ingo had been with him in the morning. Monica and I took him to the hospital to visit Oma and then had a Greek Salad that I had made for supper.
Monica has been taking naps but otherwise is holding up pretty well. She had a blood test late on Friday but we haven't got the results yet. We have another support group meeting this coming week
The Cancer Agency is running a research project on patients and caregivers who have finished their active treatments. We have been invited (and agreed to) to participate. In addition to being interviewed, we will be participating in a one-day seminar designed to help patients and caregivers through this phase. I think it will be similar to InspireHealth (talks on maintaining caregiver health, goal-setting etc) but I expect it to be a useful reinforcement.
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