Hello all,
This time its Marley checking in and I figure its about time I gave a brief update.
First, I should acknowledge that its been a difficult time blogging for my dad as our main desktop at home has crashed. He now attempts to update on a touch pad (which is hilarious to watch since his blood pressure shoots through the roof) or on our ancient and very sluggish computer. In addition to these difficulties, its sometimes hard to know what to write as we have gotten into a routine which often involves visiting oma and opa.
Second, it was brought to our attention that some readers were having difficulties commenting.I have tried to fiddle with the settings hoping to fix the problem. I think I have made it possible for readers who don't have a google account to now comment.
Thirdly, as Christmas approaches I think we are all feeling a mixture of emotions. I for one am getting into the Christmas spirit and can't wait to have the whole family together (and its still only Novemeber!). This will be the first year since Daniel and Seanne have been married that we get them for Christmas! I can't wait to see Mollie running down the stairs to see if Santa came! I am also excited because I will get to jet away and see Ross and his family for a bit after Christmas.
Along with all the excitement comes anxiety of our next MRI and appointment with the DR. Its hard for me to say if I think moms getting worse. Since I spend so much time with her everyday, I think I could start to miss little signs. There is also the possibility that these little signs could be delayed effects of surgery/chemo/ or radiation on her brain and stress my just be adding to the problem. I prefer to stay in my little bubble hoping for the best. Either way, I think we are all starting to think about what next month is going to bring. On a fun side note: Dad's tear-ducts are also preparing for the holiday season so if you happen to ask him how he is doing make sure you have kleenex or extra-durable paper towel to offer him.
Finally, I little piece of wisdom...take some time to appreciate your body. Its not until you see peoples bodies failing them that you realize how horrible it can be and how lucky we are. So don't take your health for granted and if you have until now, its never to late to make a change.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday, November 27 2011
(posted by Greg)
Yesterday, Monica, Marley and I visited both Oma and Opa. We spent a couple of hours with Oma in Langley- played some cards with her and visited quite a bit. She is retaining more fluid again and is quit uncofortable. Ingo takes her to see the Dr. tomorrow. I am afraid however that there is not much more that they can do for her. Oma, on some level at least, feels, I am sure, has reached the same conclusion. I don't think that her "get up and go" personality was meant for the kind of life that she has now.
Opa is not making a lot of progress. Ingo had a bit of a run-in with one of the nurses yesterday. I guess that she didn't seem to have any idea that they were supposed to be getting Opa to move as much as possible (as we had been told the previous day by both the physio and the Dr. that it was necessary). Opa seems to continue to be in pain and only wants to rest.
Monica, Marley and I treated ourselves to some Chinese food and a Xmas movie last night when we finally got home.
We had a nice breakfast today and are planning the day as I write this blog Marley has had Monica doing exercises the past week. I participated this morning and can't help but notice that Monica seems to be worse/weaker on her right side. She even has trouble with her right hand doing some of the simpler tai chi warm-ups. This is a bit worrisome
Yesterday, Monica, Marley and I visited both Oma and Opa. We spent a couple of hours with Oma in Langley- played some cards with her and visited quite a bit. She is retaining more fluid again and is quit uncofortable. Ingo takes her to see the Dr. tomorrow. I am afraid however that there is not much more that they can do for her. Oma, on some level at least, feels, I am sure, has reached the same conclusion. I don't think that her "get up and go" personality was meant for the kind of life that she has now.
Opa is not making a lot of progress. Ingo had a bit of a run-in with one of the nurses yesterday. I guess that she didn't seem to have any idea that they were supposed to be getting Opa to move as much as possible (as we had been told the previous day by both the physio and the Dr. that it was necessary). Opa seems to continue to be in pain and only wants to rest.
Monica, Marley and I treated ourselves to some Chinese food and a Xmas movie last night when we finally got home.
We had a nice breakfast today and are planning the day as I write this blog Marley has had Monica doing exercises the past week. I participated this morning and can't help but notice that Monica seems to be worse/weaker on her right side. She even has trouble with her right hand doing some of the simpler tai chi warm-ups. This is a bit worrisome
Friday, November 25, 2011
Friday, November 28, 2011
(posted by Greg)
I almost can't believe how quickly the weeks are flying by. More of the same for us. I have been working quite a bit and quite hard. We have all been busy visiting Oma in Langley and Opa at Richmond Hospital.
Opa is still in the hospital. The dr. has asked us to try to motivate him to work harder at moving around. We will have to see how that goes but the Dr. emphasized that it is important for his recovery now.
Monica and Marley continue to have fun gallavanting around together - lots of smiles and laughs. Monicaès spirits continue to be good. I do think that she her right foot is getting a bit worse and she seems to be tiring more easily. I expect that the next MRI will be in about 3 weeks since we are scheduled to see the oncologist on December 21st .
I almost can't believe how quickly the weeks are flying by. More of the same for us. I have been working quite a bit and quite hard. We have all been busy visiting Oma in Langley and Opa at Richmond Hospital.
Opa is still in the hospital. The dr. has asked us to try to motivate him to work harder at moving around. We will have to see how that goes but the Dr. emphasized that it is important for his recovery now.
Monica and Marley continue to have fun gallavanting around together - lots of smiles and laughs. Monicaès spirits continue to be good. I do think that she her right foot is getting a bit worse and she seems to be tiring more easily. I expect that the next MRI will be in about 3 weeks since we are scheduled to see the oncologist on December 21st .
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Sunday, November 20, 2011
(posted by Greg)
A fairly busy but fairly routine week. I have been working a lot as I try to get ready for year-end and for some changes to our firm which will start in January. I am hoping to re-organize the way that I work so that I can work a bit less and work from home more. So the firm will be making some organizational changes to accomodate this.
The past week involved a lot of trips to the hospital and to Langley. Monica's dad is still in Richmond hospital. So far it looks like the operation on his foot has been successful. But he has had some little complications and is still in the hospital. We may have to arrange for more care for him, at least initially, when he is released from the hospital.
Monica and Marley visited Oma quite a bit as well. She is well settled into the facility but still struggles with her breathing etc.
We are starting to plan how we can celebrate Xmas with Oma and Opa and make the best of this Xmas. We will probably spend Xmas Eve with them in Langley and bring them to our house for dinner on Xmas Day.
Monica's right foot is still a concern. It seems to be getting a bit worse ( but sometimes I think it might be my imagination). I think that we are going to encourage her to take some physiotherapy to see if that will help and try to get her re-focused on doing some things for her own health. In particular, I would like to see her talk to a counsellor to make sure that she has an opportunity to express any feelings or emotions which she might be suppressing.
A fairly busy but fairly routine week. I have been working a lot as I try to get ready for year-end and for some changes to our firm which will start in January. I am hoping to re-organize the way that I work so that I can work a bit less and work from home more. So the firm will be making some organizational changes to accomodate this.
The past week involved a lot of trips to the hospital and to Langley. Monica's dad is still in Richmond hospital. So far it looks like the operation on his foot has been successful. But he has had some little complications and is still in the hospital. We may have to arrange for more care for him, at least initially, when he is released from the hospital.
Monica and Marley visited Oma quite a bit as well. She is well settled into the facility but still struggles with her breathing etc.
We are starting to plan how we can celebrate Xmas with Oma and Opa and make the best of this Xmas. We will probably spend Xmas Eve with them in Langley and bring them to our house for dinner on Xmas Day.
Monica's right foot is still a concern. It seems to be getting a bit worse ( but sometimes I think it might be my imagination). I think that we are going to encourage her to take some physiotherapy to see if that will help and try to get her re-focused on doing some things for her own health. In particular, I would like to see her talk to a counsellor to make sure that she has an opportunity to express any feelings or emotions which she might be suppressing.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
(posted by Greg)
A fairly quiet weekend -a couple of visits to Oma in Langley and to Opa in Richmond hospital. Oma is about the same and Opa seems to be recuperating well. Monica is feeling ok.
A fairly quiet weekend -a couple of visits to Oma in Langley and to Opa in Richmond hospital. Oma is about the same and Opa seems to be recuperating well. Monica is feeling ok.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
(posted by Greg)
For the last few days we have been kept busy by hospital visits. Opa's day surgery became problematic when they couldn't do the simple surgery on his foot and they had trouble stopping the bleeding from the attempt to do it. Eventually, they got him stabilized and decided to then proceed with the more complicated (and riskier) foot operation. (Basically, the surgeon was trying to improve the circulation to his foot. Opa has diabetes and it was beginning to look like he might lose his foot.). The surgery was risky because of Opa's other problems and (I think) that there was a risk that he might lose his foot in any event if the procedure did not work.
Monica and Marley wound up spending about 13 hours at Richmond Hospital while all this was going on and only left Opa when he was relatively stable in the ICU unit.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, it was hard to see Opa as he couldn't speak because of the breathing tubes. However, Monica and Marley went both days. Fortunately Opa seems to be pullin through and the procedure seems to be working. On Thursday he was much better and has been moved to a regular ward.
Monica and I visited Oma Wednesday night in Langley. She was a bit tired but generally seems to be doing ok in the care home. After visiting Oma, Monica and I dropped off a plate of food for Ingo who is coming down with a cold or something.
I am sure that all of this is difficult for Monica but she is holding up well. She is having the same slight problem with "catching" her left foot when she walks but otherwise seems fine. At some level, I think the extra efforts with Oma and the cooking for Ingo make her feel better because she feels like she is contributing. I am still hoping to have Monica speak with a counsellor at InspireHealth at some point to "talk through" some of these feelings as I think it will be helpful.
Last night, Marley, Monica and I had a night out and went to the Circel Craft fair at the Convention Centre. It was fun but a bit of a shock to the system to dunked into the "Christmas Season"!
For the last few days we have been kept busy by hospital visits. Opa's day surgery became problematic when they couldn't do the simple surgery on his foot and they had trouble stopping the bleeding from the attempt to do it. Eventually, they got him stabilized and decided to then proceed with the more complicated (and riskier) foot operation. (Basically, the surgeon was trying to improve the circulation to his foot. Opa has diabetes and it was beginning to look like he might lose his foot.). The surgery was risky because of Opa's other problems and (I think) that there was a risk that he might lose his foot in any event if the procedure did not work.
Monica and Marley wound up spending about 13 hours at Richmond Hospital while all this was going on and only left Opa when he was relatively stable in the ICU unit.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, it was hard to see Opa as he couldn't speak because of the breathing tubes. However, Monica and Marley went both days. Fortunately Opa seems to be pullin through and the procedure seems to be working. On Thursday he was much better and has been moved to a regular ward.
Monica and I visited Oma Wednesday night in Langley. She was a bit tired but generally seems to be doing ok in the care home. After visiting Oma, Monica and I dropped off a plate of food for Ingo who is coming down with a cold or something.
I am sure that all of this is difficult for Monica but she is holding up well. She is having the same slight problem with "catching" her left foot when she walks but otherwise seems fine. At some level, I think the extra efforts with Oma and the cooking for Ingo make her feel better because she feels like she is contributing. I am still hoping to have Monica speak with a counsellor at InspireHealth at some point to "talk through" some of these feelings as I think it will be helpful.
Last night, Marley, Monica and I had a night out and went to the Circel Craft fair at the Convention Centre. It was fun but a bit of a shock to the system to dunked into the "Christmas Season"!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Monday november7,2011
A relatively quiet weekend for the Greiners. A number of chores on Saturday were followed by a trip to Langley to visit Oma and Opa who were both ok. On Saturday evening Monica and I went to a concert with my niece,Jan. We saw the April Verch Band and really enjoyed it.
Sunday was spent around home. I worked a bit. Monica and Marley brought Opa to our house to spend the night. He is scheduled for some day surgery to help improve the circulation to his foot.
Opa's surgery became complicated and the surgeon had to do a riskier procedure. Opa spent most of the day in surgery but made it through ok. He is in the ICU tonight and we are keeping him in our prayers.
Sunday was spent around home. I worked a bit. Monica and Marley brought Opa to our house to spend the night. He is scheduled for some day surgery to help improve the circulation to his foot.
Opa's surgery became complicated and the surgeon had to do a riskier procedure. Opa spent most of the day in surgery but made it through ok. He is in the ICU tonight and we are keeping him in our prayers.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Thursday, November 3,2011
(posted by Greg)
Monica and Marley had a long walk today to do some banking and chores. (I think they got lots exercise -judging by how much they each ate at supper). Monica's right leg is "catching" a bit when she walks and this is worrying her a bit.
Monica and Marley had a long walk today to do some banking and chores. (I think they got lots exercise -judging by how much they each ate at supper). Monica's right leg is "catching" a bit when she walks and this is worrying her a bit.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
(posted by Greg)
I apologize to those who check this blog often. I have slipped out of the habit of posting daily. I wish I had a good reason (i.e. an emergency call to consult on legal issues from Stephen Harper) but, unfortuanely, I think it was a combination of being busy with routine things and being a bit lazy.
We used the weekend to get in some more visits with Oma and Opa. Oma continues to amaze me. She has now made a couple of trips to the dining room with her walker (instead of having to be taken in her wheel chair) and is settling in quite well. Opa's foot (circulation) is an issue and he will have some surgery on November 7th to see if they can improve it.
Halloween was a busy day. Monica, Marley and I attended a program put on by the Cancer Agency for patients and caregivers who have completed their treatment. Monica had a different program than Marley and I but both programs focussed on nutrition, exercise and stress reduction. Monica seemed to enjoy her program.
Marley and I enjoyed ours as well. We were given pedometers and (if exercise is one of our goals) asked to log our steps over the next month (we go back for a follow-up session on December 5th). Goal setting was one of our topics as well. This is something that I have always done/been interested in so I particularly enjoyed it and I found that I came away a bit "pumped". So I am logging my food and my exercise and on my way to being Greg. version 6.5. Marley who is already particularly good at goal setting was not quite as impressed/motivated as I was.
On Tuesday, Monica and I attended a group medical medical appointment with our Dr. at InspireHealth. This was a bit different as there were two other women ( both of whom have breast cancer ) along with Monica and I. However, the discussions (ie. how to decide between the various treatment options out there) were useful and relevant to all. Some of the discussions, related directly to Monica and were illuminating. The Dr. explained that stress can affect how symtoms are displayed and made me realize that the stress of the MRI and her parents' situation could be contributing to the little problem Monica is having with her walking. So, I plan on taking some steps to make sure that she is actually relaxing more. It also became apparent to me from the discussions that Monica feels badly that she cannot, because of her health, help her parents more at this point in time. The Dr made a point of helping her realize the importance/necessity of making her own health a priority and trying to let go of some of these feelings. I came away thinking that I will arrange for her to see one of the counsellors at the Cancer Agency or InspireHealth to help her talk/think through these feelings.
Today, Marley and Monica attended the regular Brain Tumour Support Group. Marley reports that it was useful again and that Monica seemed to get something out of it as well.
Tonight, Marley has to coach so Monica and I will likely go visit her parents.
I apologize to those who check this blog often. I have slipped out of the habit of posting daily. I wish I had a good reason (i.e. an emergency call to consult on legal issues from Stephen Harper) but, unfortuanely, I think it was a combination of being busy with routine things and being a bit lazy.
We used the weekend to get in some more visits with Oma and Opa. Oma continues to amaze me. She has now made a couple of trips to the dining room with her walker (instead of having to be taken in her wheel chair) and is settling in quite well. Opa's foot (circulation) is an issue and he will have some surgery on November 7th to see if they can improve it.
Halloween was a busy day. Monica, Marley and I attended a program put on by the Cancer Agency for patients and caregivers who have completed their treatment. Monica had a different program than Marley and I but both programs focussed on nutrition, exercise and stress reduction. Monica seemed to enjoy her program.
Marley and I enjoyed ours as well. We were given pedometers and (if exercise is one of our goals) asked to log our steps over the next month (we go back for a follow-up session on December 5th). Goal setting was one of our topics as well. This is something that I have always done/been interested in so I particularly enjoyed it and I found that I came away a bit "pumped". So I am logging my food and my exercise and on my way to being Greg. version 6.5. Marley who is already particularly good at goal setting was not quite as impressed/motivated as I was.
On Tuesday, Monica and I attended a group medical medical appointment with our Dr. at InspireHealth. This was a bit different as there were two other women ( both of whom have breast cancer ) along with Monica and I. However, the discussions (ie. how to decide between the various treatment options out there) were useful and relevant to all. Some of the discussions, related directly to Monica and were illuminating. The Dr. explained that stress can affect how symtoms are displayed and made me realize that the stress of the MRI and her parents' situation could be contributing to the little problem Monica is having with her walking. So, I plan on taking some steps to make sure that she is actually relaxing more. It also became apparent to me from the discussions that Monica feels badly that she cannot, because of her health, help her parents more at this point in time. The Dr made a point of helping her realize the importance/necessity of making her own health a priority and trying to let go of some of these feelings. I came away thinking that I will arrange for her to see one of the counsellors at the Cancer Agency or InspireHealth to help her talk/think through these feelings.
Today, Marley and Monica attended the regular Brain Tumour Support Group. Marley reports that it was useful again and that Monica seemed to get something out of it as well.
Tonight, Marley has to coach so Monica and I will likely go visit her parents.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)