Wednesday, August 7, 2013

(posted by Greg)

Daniel has been home for two weeks now and Jesse for about 10 days. Monica  and I are both enjoying having all 3 kids around home. I particularly appreciate the extra help with transferring Monica etc and with 4 of us at home we are able to each have some private time ( in my case I am working a bit). I think at some level the kids are each enjoying being at home with each other too (It has been a while since they all lived under one roof.). Overall, the interaction between all of us is very natural. Monica can't verbalize the thought but I am convinced that she is appreciating this time together. If there is a good side to Monica's situation, it is the opportunity that we each have to "show" Monica how much she is loved and appreciated. I think that we will all have good memories of this time together with Monica.

With the extra hands and the equipment which we now have in place, we are able to provide good care for Monica. So far we are able to do this without outside help. The Homecare service is monitoring our situation. Our contact visits each week and is helping us to plan for what the future will bring (in terms of care requirements). There is a palliative care doctor associated with Homecare. We have not yet met her but through the Homecare Nurse, she has now prescribed steroids for Monica. The steroids (which Monica was also given at the time of the original diagnosis and following the operation) reduce the inflammation caused by the tumour. Although the effects may be short terms, the steroids have the effect of "brightening" Monica and one of the side effects is a better appetite. So, Monica has been more verbal in the last few days (we all really like this) and has been eating well.

Monica continues to periodically surprise us with a good belly laugh at something funny or a timely comment.

Throughout ,one of the side effects of Monica's tumour has been that she has not been as emotional as you might otherwise expect. This has probably been beneficial as it has allowed Monica to remain calm. Today we got a bit of an emotional surprise however. The Homecare contact had been discussing some palliative issues with us and as a result we were discussing options for help for me when the kids cannot be here any longer (in about 3 weeks). Monica started crying but couldn't really express her thoughts to us. Her reaction caught us by surprise and within minutes we all had a good cry together.