gerbil runner
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Posts posted by gerbil runner
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Fay, I too am so happy to see your smiling face at last.
My mom, very early on, was at risk of serious bleeding. The doctors advised having morphine on hand, which would ease breathing and anxiety in case of a major bleed. I pray this never happens for you, but I know you would want your loved ones to be prepared as best as possible.
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We finally had the memorial for my mother yesterday at the church my folks belonged to for 10 years. It was pretty simple, just a few remarks by the minister and two songs played by the bellringers of the church as part of the normal service. We were supposed to host the coffee hour, but last week we got snowed out, and this week was the annual congregational meeting - no coffee hour.
It was just as well, because the first hymn was "Amazing Grace", which has been a family staple for singing and ringing. All I could think of was how Mom's beautiful, strong voice would have carried through the church, and I started to cry. I wept through almost the whole service, just feeling her absence. I never could have served cake afterwards.
During the wake and funeral, I was still feeling a sense of relief that Mom no longer had to endure her debilitated body. Also, there were so many people i hadn't seen in years, people who wanted to know about my brother Pat. I had put together a board of photos, and spent a lot of time telling people about Pat and the photos.
Now, 2 months later, the loss is so much more real. The hospital things are gone from their house. I've been to the cemetery twice. Every event, from holidays to school concerts, reminds me that Mom will never sit beside me for those events again. Normally, I can handle it ok, but the church service was too much.
Dad brought up the handchimes(kind of a beginner version of handbells), and Kyle and I played quite a bit. We helped Danny and JJ try them out, and even my husband Bob got in on the act. That was much better - and Mom would be pleased to hear the music.
So I guess this too shall pass. But I have a lot more tears to work through first.
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Oh Andrea, I'm sorry. Something will come through for you, sooner or later. You'll be a mom yet.
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I'm so sorry, Kelly. One of my aunts died of pancreatic cancer, and we originally thought that's what my mom had. The stats are grim, as pancreatic cancer typically does not respond well to chemo. But there are ALWAYS exceptions.
Prayers for your cousin and all of your family.
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Prayers for love and peace for you and your family, Fay.
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I know this idea may bother some people, but there are tiny "keepsake" urns and pendants which are meant for a small quantity of ashes.
Beth, I'm sure Bill is smiling as he watches over you. Hope your trip is beautiful.
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So sorry to hear this. I'll keep your family in prayers.
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Could Ken be having gallbladder attacks?
I got an infection when gallstones blocked the bile duct, and my liver counts went way up - urine was dark brown!
Just a thought. Hope the test reveal better news.
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Erin, I'm so sorry to read of your loss. You obviously had a very special mom and a great relationship with her.
I'd agree that you don't "get over" such a loss. You WILL learn to live with it, though, because your mom taught you how to be strong.
Remember that late pregnancy brings its own emotional turmoil - you'll feel better after the birth of your son. Try not to make any big decisions now.
We'll be here for you.
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So glad you're going home, Fay. Hope you will be comfortable.
I'm still having un-nice thoughts about your general contractor and Nurse Ratchet. Hey! Maybe the contractor could do some work for her
!Or perhaps their photos in the bottom of your commode...
Anyway, glad you're getting back to where you belong.
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A Big Loss!
in GRIEF
Losing someone to lung cancer is a horrible experience. I pray your mom will see brighter days ahead, and you will too.
My dad says TTFF is what helps the most - Time, Talking, Family and Friends.
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I'm so sorry things aren't working out better. Check your local hospice organizations - one near us had a program for people who were seriously ill and in need of help, but not ready to give up aggressive therapy. My mom actually stayed on that program to the end - her insurance was very good, so there was no financial reason to change.
If your insurance will cover it, home health care might help, also. You're in my prayers.
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Sounds like the oxygen company is not the same as the hospice org. However, any time you have delays that don't seem right, call back! Part of the job of the hospice org. should be make sure problems get taken care of. The squeaky wheel gets the grease. Be nice, be polite, but be persistent.
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Sad to say, but if chocolate were a cure for cancer no cancer cell would've been found within a mile of my mom!
Then again, maybe that's what helped her get 2 years out of an extensive sclc diagnosis. The last thing I fed her was Ben n' Jerry's Chocolate Brownie.
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I'm so sorry Joel had to experience such pain. Prayers for you and your family.
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We're supposed to have a memorial service for Mom tomorrow at their old church. I ordered a full sheetcake, the handbells are playing (Mom's username was "bellringer") and we have family traveling from out-of-town.
And a blizzard is supposed to arrive overnight. AAUURRGH!
I know it's not the end of the world. And I'm lucky enough to have a freezer big enough to hold the cake. But it's frustrating.
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Just wanted to add, even though this won't help in Fay's case, that stair lifts are a great option. My mom had one for the last 7 months of her life. The company gave us a choice of rental or purchase. If you started with rental and decided to move to a purchase, up to 3 months' rental fees would be deducted from the purchase.
The lift was professionally installed, total simplicity to operate, and quickly removed after Mom passed.
Personally, I think the @#$%! general contractor should swap houses with Fay.
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This is heartbreaking. This is criminal. I hope Fay's family sues the contractor out of exisitence.
Fay, I still pray the hospice people treat you with love and respect, even though it's not home. No pets? The hospice facility near me allows them. I'd suggest smuggling, like Dad used to do with Daisy, my Mom's dog, when she was in the hospital.
Fay, you remain a heroine to me.
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Oh no no no.
Fay, you've fought so very hard and brought light and inspiration to so many of us. I pray your hospice team gives you the love and care you deserve.
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I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. This horrible disease claims far too many.
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Sorry - double post.
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I'm so sorry, been there done that and it's so hard.
Don't look at it as giving up, think of your dad accepting his future with grace.
Spend as much time with him as possible, spoil him in whatever way you can. My mom's best friend sent in baked stuffed lobster - one of mom's all-time favorites - and I have a lovely, bittersweet memory of my dad spoon-feeding the lobster to Mom.
So whatever your dad likes best, give him as much as possible. Movies, pet visits, backrubs, beer - whatever! It's ok to be sad, it's ok to cry. But think of the rest of your dad's time here as a "going away present", and store up memories for yourself.
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Congrats on your 3 years! And many happy returns.
Tell your puppy the monsters under your bed taste "just like chicken".
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Oh, TAnn, I'm so sorry to hear this news.
Praying for many pain-free days ahead. How sweet of your mom to bring the laptop.
jcawork is now at peace
in GRIEF
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Oh, I'm so very sorry. I was wondering how Jen was doing.
My prayers go to you all at this time.