Lots of time spent with Mum today. Vicky stayed overnight and both slept well, and Mum was awake and energized quite early on. She was going to be taken to have not only her radiation but also to have an ultrasound to make sure she was able to have a feeding tube put in, so Dad and I delayed our arrival.
She was in good spirits when she was wheeled back into her room - they have some interesting contraption set up from the ceiling that she holds onto to get into bed. Looks like a trapeze kind of thing, so we wonder if she'll be applying to Cirque du Soleil.
The throat is still really bad and she didn't get much more down today - it is incredible to think that she hasn't had anything substantial to eat for probably ten days now. Unfortunately, the procedure to install the tube had to be postponed until Saturday because the Emergency Room got backed up with some pretty serious stuff.
It is also unfortunate that more of her hair is starting to fall out - and just after Gyongyi had done such a great job of styling it. She is still looking great, though - not that much has come out - and she has a wig prepared if more comes. But since there is only one more radiation treatment to go, she might still not lose it all.
Mum was delighted to see pictures of her friends at art events and giving toasts, and the guest book from the last exhibition was photocopied and hand delivered today, so she got to feel a bit more participative.
One of her doctors is a lovely aging gentleman who said to Dad yesterday, 'Where are you from, young man?" (they're about the same age)... turns out the doc is from Hebden Bridge, not far from where Dad grew up and where his cousin's daughter lives! Today when the doctor visited he stuck around for about 20 minutes and the two of them were swapping stories and dropping place names - definitely perked Dad up, and all of us, in fact. The staff have really been extraordinarily attentive and kind, but to find someone cut from the same cloth was an extra treat.
I will really have to start writing down some of the hilarious lines Mum is coming out with, because some of them really have been classics. Her sense of humour is there and comes out sometimes when we least expect it.
We brought in some more artwork and by Saturday she should hopefully have the pieces she wants in Feng Shui-friendly placement. Vicky will have to oversee that as I've had to come back to Vancouver because of some work commitments.
Gyongyi has been so touched and appreciative of the strong friendships Mum has been able to count on. "We should all be so lucky to have such great friends!" The cards, the calls, and the consideration shown by so many really has been extraordinary... thank you all for being there for her and for all of us.
2 comments:
Good Morning Marika,
You and David raised your children well!! Vickie and Mark are not only caring for you so very well (along with Gyongyi and David, of course!) but they are caring for us all with the beautiful and complete updates each day. This brings us all closer to you---to know your situation and to know that your humour sparkles as always! Today (Sat) might be a challenging day, but once they get you situated with a feeding system, you will feel stronger. We love you, Susan & John (Drysdale)
Hi to our special lady, and her great team and family of care givers. I wish your mouth and throat would clear up so you could enjoy some food and "drink". But the feeding tube will help I'm sure. It seems that some of my blogs aren't getting through so, if this one goes through you know there were others. We had our first AW meeting on Thurs and not much was accomplished except a lot of laughter--Keith was at his best. Good wishes sent to you from those who knew you. It's a beautiful Fall day, the colours are turning red and gold. Kyrija just LOVES School. Will take after her Mum I hope. Thank you again, Mark< for this blog. It really helps us far away as we sit here not able to do a thing except love your Mum. Love Sylvia Swenn
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