Good morning. I'm sipping my first cup of tea while Mr. Grinch is sipping his coffee. We are both gearing up for another day. Today we are going to try and tackle the steps leading down to the car so we can see if he can make it up and down those safely tomorrow to do his usual Tuesday blood work in preparation for Wednesday's chemo.
It's been long difficult haul for us these past few months. The past few days very stressful at times. The stress not helped any by the fact they sent him home from the hospital in an ambulance on a very cold icy day. We've gone from bed ridden the first couple of days, to now he is making it back and forth to his bathroom, and even out onto the deck.
We are hopeful that very soon he will be able to use the crutch more and be able to make it into the living room and kitchen. His oxygen saturation levels are still staying up really good, with quick recovery time when he does exert himself. This is a very good sign!
We still have 3 more months of chemo, and he is determined to see that through, even if he does have to take one more week to get built back enough to make it through them. We are hopeful that with better weather now coming his lungs will stay clear of pneumonia and we will have no more trips to and from the hospital because of that.
If I have any advice to offer those who are going through the same battle we are with cancer it is this. There will be setbacks. Sometimes so many of them, or so severe it is very easy to lose hope. But, with enough determination, those setbacks can be overcome. Most importantly, take each day one moment at a time. Be thankful for whatever little bit of progress is made, grit your teeth, take that little bit of progress, and keep on going. Above all, do not lose hope because of setbacks.
For those who like me who are caregivers, above all else, make and take the time to do what you have to in order to keep going. Rest whenever you can, take a break whenever you can. Toss guilt to the four winds and if at all possible go do something that will help keep you strong because trust me, you will need every ounce of strength you have to help the person you are caring for. Cry, scream, take a walk, whatever you have to do in order to release the stress, anger and feelings of hopelessness that will engulf you. And please, do not feel guilty for having those feelings, and all the others that you will have. You will at times feel things, think things you would never dreamed you could feel or think. That's your mind's and body's natural reaction to the stress you are under. Deal with the thoughts and feelings, call a friend if you need to, but do not beat yourself up for feeling and thinking things you at times cannot help but feel and think. Above all, while there is still even the smallest glimmer of hope, grab that glimmer, hold on tight to it, and let it shine as brightly as possible on the one you are caring for. For in doing that, you will find it brightens and strengthens you as well.
Blessed Be
