Family Matters

[Stanley]

A long time Cathy and a video would be no good, she is virtually blind and that isn't going to improve.... Her fight goes on but it is gradually wearing her down with no sign that she is gaining any ground. Just holding her own..... A simple infection would be a disaster. Sorry, but I can't give any comfort. The only positive is that every day she survives is another day with her children. That's all that matters to her.
Later.... News from Susan that the adjustment to the meds has been successful, far better pain management. She has a new wheelchair and is moving about independently. She wants a horn and a cup-holder fitting to it...... Cheers me up a bit....

[Sue]

My dad had a horn on his. He loved it!

[Cathy]

I'm so sorry for my last post Stanley, I must have forgotten or didn't realise that your Janet is almost blind.
Such a silly suggestion from me. How you are all coping speaks highly of you all. Love, love, love.

[Tizer]

I didn't know that either, Cathy, until I read his post.

[Sue]

Stanley mentioned Janet's sight was going soon after the operation but I , too, did not realise it was so bad now.so sad

[Stanley]

Stop beating yourselves up! I don't always tell you the worst effects.... Not your fault.

[Stanley]

The good news is that I have just had a long call from Janet. She was sharp, lucid and sounded good. She reports that the treatment is not too aggressive and her pain control is sorted, she is sleeping well at night and described her sleep during the day as 'just like a contented baby'. Cheered me up no end, a shaft of sunlight out of an otherwise cloudy sky!

[Marilyn]

So she can hear you ok then, cos an earlier report said her hearing is down?
Sleepiness is a result of opiates and radiation...and appointments...and tasks of daily living. Getting through the day is exhausting. If she is still on steroids to promote appetite, they assist in quality of sleep too. ( which is good...because quality counts)

[Stanley]

It's deteriorated Maz but she is managing. She told me yesterday that on a good day she can see enough of the screen to enjoy watching a Shakespeare play...... So that has good days as well.

[Marilyn]

Imagine a small female figure, with arms folded in front of ample bust, one foot tapping, and an inquisitive/slightly accusing look on face.
It's been over a week since an update about things in Perth and I (we...all of us) want SOME kind of news. (please?)
How are things going? ( this is the "rest" period after intensive radiation?)

[Marilyn]

Did I say "small"? I meant "short", of course!

[Stanley]

Sorry Maz, I suppose I am aware that it can be boring if someone is always banging on about depressing subjects. Janet is into the next phase of intensive radiation treatment which is her brain and central nervous system (focussed mainly on her back and spine). On the whole she is withstanding it well, better than she expected I think. There are occasional episodes of what they call break-through pain and this is distressing but she has 24 hour access to a palliative care nurse and makes full use of it. Not every day is good but some are better than others. here she is yesterday at the hairdresser's....



I think you can imagine how much seeing this cheered me up. She is lucid and positive but I know that she is a bit apprehensive about the next stage which is aggressive chemotherapy. This is probably the most dangerous in terms of side effects but she is going ahead with it because it gives the best chance of prolonging the time she has with her children and Robert. We watch her every move and still marvel at her courage. The end is still in no doubt and I can't see that changing but she is winning her personal war against Bertie and his cohorts. This the reality.... We live with it as she does.
I know this sounds a bit pretentious but I think we all all feel privileged to be able to witness her fight. Far better than a sudden and ignominious end. I am very proud of her......
Just seen your latest post Maz, small or short makes no difference, let's agree on impressive!

[Marilyn]

Thanks, Stanley.
Lovely photo. ( lovely to see that a haircut is still an option!)

It is all a matter of " enjoying the moments", Stanley. ( but I don't need to tell you that).

That's quite a posh salon...reminds me of one I booked into and they had opera music.... and the woman who cut my hair was wearing a leopard mini skirt! ( not a young woman...and I found it all a bit...odd.)

[Stanley]

[Nolic]

Lovely picture of "normality" Comrade. Thanks for the update. Nolic

[Stanley]

Thanks Comrade.... She is doing remarkably well and we are beginning to wonder just how long it can last. We started with days, that became weeks and we are now into months. She says the doctors are very conservative and she is pressing them for chemotherapy sooner rather than later. We watch and wonder!

[Sue]

Such a positive person, I am full of admiration. It can make all the difference. When Bobs dad was in his 60s he got cancer of the spine, was in a wheel chair and was told he would never walk again. He died at 82, after a full and active retirement, WALKING daily round the local coast. He was determined to walk and survive and he did.

[Cathy]

A lovely 'moment in time' caught on camera
(hairdresser 's not bad either... Oops, haha)

[Tizer]

It's impressive to see her `out and about' and quite amazing when we think about what's she's already been through.

[Stanley]

I agree, but she is shielding us from the worst effects. I imagine waking in severe pain and knowing you are facing death in the middle of the night...... She doesn't talk about this but you can bet it happens..... No doubt about it now, she is going for broke on the treatment. She's won all the gambles so far......

[Marilyn]

Are English based family members planning to return home for Christmas, Stanley?

[Stanley]

Jess and Mo are back of course and I am here but no, all the rest of the brood will be there for Xmas. Susan will not leave Janet's side. Both Susan and Janet have been a bit crook with a sore throat and a woosey head but they seem to be better now. Janet has today and the rest of the weekend off from treatment and Susan is planning to take her out if she's up to it. A rest and a change will be good for her......

[Marilyn]

...and those returning will find a big change in weather...
I'm not sure about Perth, but here in SA we have Measles and Respiratory Viruses. Febby is on his third time round with a cold. I am not afflicted, but I make him " a hot toddy" at bedtime when it is required.

[LizG]

I've just got back from 10 days away and am catching up with things on the site. I'm delighted to see the photo Stanley. Keep the updates coming.

[Stanley]

Janet is enjoying the rest. She is back in bed after her third breakfast this morning..... Freedom from treatment for a couple of days will do her good. Susan is still agitating for a breath of fresh air!