It has most certainly been the most stressful, trying month of my life. And a great big thank you to all of you wonderful supporters who have been asking "What can I do?". For the most part you have been given a non-answer. We were so caught up in trying to get through each day, that I, for my myself, could not concentrate or imagine what another day might be like, and what might help.
Just so you know, I am completely grateful for all the support we have received; we need no other "thing". For those that wish, please know that everything you have done is "good enough"... we feel blessed and lucky and loved.
However, we keep being asked, So.......... I thought I'd give a little status update.
Gord and the kids have gone to a family wedding in California. And, in case that seems strange or selfish to you, please be generous in your thoughts about Gord and the kids. They are under tremendous stress, and it was my request that they go, enjoy and learn to be a strong family unit in a happy setting, even when times are difficult, while I can still enjoy from my comfortable bed.
My wonderful mother is for all intents and purposes my main caretaker. She is now with me virtually 24/7 and she helps me with all the day to day things I can't manage as well as being a huge emotional support that I just lean on shamelessly. My dad keeps the homefires burning, and also runs all manner of errands, and he sits with me when my mom is not around. That is going well, and at the moment, my mother does not want help for herself or anyone. Not just yet anyway.
At the moment, the truth is, that I am not physically or emotionally able for real visiting. The best I can offer anyone who wants to come to Regina anyway, is short (i.e. 30 minutes) of visiting me lying in a bed. And we are not in any way able extend the hospitality that we orinarily enjoy sharing with you, our friends and family. We cannot have anyone staying at our home. I hope this improves, but right now, it is the truth.
Anyway, thanks to my Aunt Lorna Mae who had this excellent suggestion: If you want to do something for me, please go and donate some blood. I had 2 units given to me this past hospitalization and they have helped me to feel so much better. I expect I will need it again. If you would like to do something concrete, please consider this. It will help me and many other people. And since, at this exact time, there is nothing physical that I need, it would be an ideal way to help in this way.
Especially all you B+ types (that is me)...... a rarer kind (just like me)............
Thanks friends, for considering this unique way to show support of me.
16 comments:
What a great idea you have given to us. We are so glad things are improving. Thank you for your continued support with this blog. Judy
Have been thinking alot about you lately and am grateful for the blog so that I can keep up with what is going on. If you decide that you could use another round of banana chocolate chip muffins, just let me know. Take care. Your are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carla
HI Joanne,
Thanks for writing , I'm glad you have all the support you need. I think your balance is awesome and very elegantly stated! I'm happy your mom is there - and that Gord and the kids are having some time enjoying the good things. You know we all love you!
Dawn, Andrew, Julie and Lane
Happy to hear you are back home in your own surroundings. Hope the sun is streaming in through those sunroom windows, and that you gain strength daily for Thursday's challenge.
I'm so glad you are blessed with a great Mom. I have one myself, we are truly fortunate to have them.
Take care and rest up. We are sending you an instant "cyber bouquet" (just picture the peonies, irises, roses, white and yellow daisies, and all the other beautiful flowers in bloom right now) along with extra thoughts and prayers. Marilyn & Brian
Hi again Joanne, It would have been great if all of you could have been at Sean and Molly's wedding this weekend. However, that was not to be and I see it as very unselfish of you to want your family to enjoy the time in California. Nor is it selfish of Gord to make it possible for the kids to be a part of this extended family gathering. It's just the opposite. I'm sure it was difficult for Gord to leave but he knows (as do we) that you are in the best possible hands during his absence. Good luck on Thursday and the days following - thanks again for the blog so that we are able to enjoy these "virtual visits" from afar!
Love, Nick & Lorraine
Hey you,
If only they'd let me give blood but you know how they get with BC gals. :(
Anyway, glad you've got the pain under control (you do, right? Right?) and you're resting comfortably. I'll keep an eye on you from here and not bug you, wait to hear from you as you see fit. But know I'm thinkin' boutcha always.
Hopey
Hi Joanne,
Just thought we would say hi. Had a good trip home. Hot and sunny here. Wanted to tell you how much we appreciate the blog and how honest and open you are. It helps us all.
Glad Gord and the kids are having a good time. Glad you are on the virtual trip with them with the map and texting.
Even though we aren't B+ we will be donating a pint for you. O+ isn't that shabby either. We'll keep following your blog. Say hi to your Florence Nightengale for us.
Love,
Auntie L.M. and Patti
Hi Jo,
Great post....
We are part way down the coast and looking forward to catching up with Gord and the kids on Thursday. Good luck on thursday....
Darryl
Hi Jo,
Thanks for the update and your honesty.
We will be thinking of you as we head off to the wedding tomorrow - wishing you, Mom & Dad were with us but knowing that you are where you need to be and that you are in good hands. So happy that we will be able to spend some time with Gord and the kids.
Good luck on Thursday. The girls and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Kelly
I think, as ever, you are handling things wonderfully. I'm glad you have your Mum to lean on. I'm sure you have a shorthand betwen you that helps overcome a lot.
I think giving blood is a wonderful idea, and I hope the family feel able to do it. Like others mine is no longer accepted, like a bad cradit card lol!
I hope you know how helpful this blog is. I'm learning from you as usual.
Much love
Anna
Giving blood is a wonderful idea. They won't take mine but I've been trying to think of something, I could do for you. North Carolina is a bit far so can't cook or clean and do any errands although it sounds like your Mom has that completely under control. The only thing I could think of is paint. If you have a favorite picture, and it could be anything at all, I could do an oil painting of it for you. If you decide you might like that just have someone e-mail the pic to me. The offer is there anytime you want to take it or not. Keeping you in my thoughts.
Millie/NC
So glad for your update. Thinking of you everyday. I am reading "Cinnamon Gardens" while in Montreal and enjoying it thoroughly. Thanks.
Glad you came here last month. Neat city. Bohemian flavour! Blaine says good mouth rinse for chemo phase is Perio Plus - at his office - just send someone by to pick it up if you like. We bookies are all waiting for a better day for you.
Love Laura and Blaine
Hi Joanne,
Of course, it's Sean and Molly's California wedding this upcoming weekend. How wonderful that your family will be there for the celebration even though their hearts will be heavy and thinking of you and your Mom and Dad in Regina.
Walked through the chocolate isle yesterday and thought of you....
Gen
Hi Joanne,
I have been checking your Blog regularly and am glad you are comfortable and at home. You are smart to protect your energy, I think of you often. Good luck at Chemo tomorrow.
Paul
Hi Joanne,
Thanks for the updates on the blog. I really appreicat knowing how things are going. Glad you are back home. Good luck with the chemo.
Jennifer
Joanne, you have nothing to apologize for. Only you know what you need and what your family needs. You have taught me alot through all of this and the one thing is to give you my love and let you do what it is you need to - and that is what makes me feel at peace- to know that you are looking after yourself and finding your way with those who you need close by you. I am only a phone call away and if you are ever feeling like you need me I will be there in a heartbeat ...
but I also know that I am there in your heart already and that is good enough. I love you!
Dawn
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