ginnyde Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 I made the decision that I was going to tell Earl right before the doctor was to call at 8:00. I received the oscar for best actress in a tragedy last night because from 5:30 until 7:45 I was the picture of everything is normal. Earl is so strong. He just sat there - no tears, no historonics?? He asked some questions and I was a blubbering idiot - so much for that oscar. Of course, the dr. did not call at 8:00. By 8:45 I called our friend who is the nursing supervisor at Fox Chase and asked her if she could see if our dr was still at the hospital. Well, he was not but was on call, so the operator patched here through. He told him she was my good friend and that I was expecting a call from him. She said he acted very human - being upset about not calling and he called here immediately. The call I had with him in the morning he really pooh poohed anymore treatment. His conversation with Earl last night seemed very different (I was on the extension). He really seemed to encourage Earl to get the WBR. Earl told him he wanted to leave no stone unturned. I am calling this am to set up appt with radiation oncologist. Earl is really not walking - uses a walker but only to get from bed to downstairs and back. But his appetite is great (maybe steroids, but who cares) and his mind is basically fine. I told him and the dr. that I support him 1,000,000,000,000%. At the end of the call, the dr's excuse for not calling is that he was out with his 8 year old walking the dog and eating cookies. My last remark to him was, while you were doing that we were sitting here crying. Thank you, thank you for your support. Boy, did I miss you guys when the board was down. And thank you again Katie and Rick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Ginny And the fight is still on. Never stop till Earl is ready to give up. Hoping for twinkles in his eyes again and a deserved award for you. Hugs J.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shirleyb Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Ginny and Duke, You are both in my prayers. I hope that whatever is done will help. It is so hard to see you and him hurting so badly. Much love, Shirleyb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bean_si (Not Active) Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 I'll be praying for you and the Duke. I think the twinkle is in his eyes, just a wee bit hidden right now. Good for you for reminding the doctor that his patients are human beings. Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Ginny, I am glad to hear the Duke wants to keep going with treatment. There are other options still open to him. You hang in there and keep that doctor in line. Rochelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addie Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Even if the twinkle doesn't quite show in his eyes right now....it sure sounds like Earl hasn't lost the twinkle in his spirit. It will serve as a guide for you both. He is so lucky to have you as his advocate, Ginny. Who knows him better? Between the two of you, you'll make your decisions and inform the medical team...not vice versa. I suppose we all can understand that doctors are human too...and have lives to live. But to be waiting on a call like this, in tears, anxious...while your doc is out walking the dog and eating cookies.....is a mental picture that gave me an uncomfortable chill. I'm glad you did finally speak with him though...and gladder still that Earl was able to express just how much he still is in this fight! Enormous, calming hugs to the both of you. What a night...huh? Hope you both got a little rest and that the light of morning is making everything look a little brighter...a little more possible! Hang in there...you've got a big army out here pulling and praying for the both of you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Ginny So glad Earl was given the opportunity to make the decision and the support from both the doctor and, of course, you (which we all knew was a given.) My dad had a doctor who was kind of that way--said one thing to me and within minutes said another to my dad, which was confusing at the time, but now I see it more like a good thing--it helped keep my dad going and believing. I had no idea a person could get WBR twice. Something new every day! I wonder what Earl thinks about what you told him he said vs what he later said. Sorry, as the patient, when its the caregiver on here who posts, I always wonder what the other half has to say; Like Cat, I bet the twinkle is just hidden. It wants to come out, I know. Thank you Ginny for being a great caregiver. elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathy Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Ginny, I am so glad to hear they are at least giving Earl other options. I have to admit that I was wondering why they originally were not going to continue with any treatment...What a fighter your Duke is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Ginny, I think walking the dog and spending time with an 8 year old and cookies is a better feeling than if the doctor were out golfing and spending time at the 19th hole. You know the man is human and is capable of love...and sometimes, I wonder about some of the loving capacity of many of the doctors out there... Back to thoughts on Earl...keep fighting while he's in the fight! Ultimately, he'll be the final decision of when enough is enough. You are a WONDERFUL caregiver, Ginny. Never doubt what you are doing. Keep up the 'networking' and having the home field advantage at times... I hope you see that twinkle soon! Love, Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie Daughter of Bill Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Oh GOOD!! I thought about you and Earl all night. I was praying that there is another option for Earl besides hospice. Another prayer answered. Now, I will get to praying that the WBR works it's magic for Earl. Hang in there Ginny. You are such a great wife and caregiver. (neither of which is an easy job) Angie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stand4hope Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Ginny, I am so happy that you and Earl have a plan. I'm supporting you 100%. I responded to your PM. Keep in touch. Love, Peggy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tnmynatt Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Ginny, I thought about you'll a lot last night. We are behind you 100% and will continue praying for you both (and for the doctors). Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharyn Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 I am so happy that Earl has decided to fight.... I think for some people (me included) it is important to not leave one stone unturned. I believe with Earls fighting spirit he can give the dreaded "C "quite a fight. I am sorry you had such a miserable night waiting for the doctor. I don't think doctors ever quite "get it" that we sit by the phone and wait. Please tell Earl my prayers are with him and of course you too Ginny. God Bless you both. Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Ginny, I know that all of this is very difficult on you as the person who loves Earl and as his caregiver. You are a truly wonderful human being, and it's people like you that reaffirm my faith. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kimblanchard Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Ginny, You are the best. Know we are all here for you and Earl. I'm so glad there is a plan. I watched my mom take care of my dad and can only appreciate what you are going thru from a "third party" perspective. I can only offer up prayers the you, Earl and your family and hope you feel His divine intervention. Nancy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJ Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Ginny, You can't win the battle without a fight and I am glad that Earl wants to keep up the fight. I'm praying that he wins this battle! BJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mhutch1366 Posted June 24, 2004 Share Posted June 24, 2004 Ginny, I'm sorry you had such a rough day yesterday. Especially when the doctor left you holding the bag, The good news on that is that he's willing to keep helping Earl fight this ba$ta+d disease. Hang in there, hon.... Take whatever strength you need from me... Earl is very lucky to have you, and you are most fortunate to have each other. XOXOXOXOX Prayers always MaryAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jana_W Posted June 25, 2004 Share Posted June 25, 2004 Ginny I am sorry that you've been going through so much. But it sounds good to me that the doctor has encouraged Earl with the WBR. As for the pesky doctor not calling you at 8pm because he was walking his dog with his daughter.............that sucks! He KNEW you were expecting his call at 8pm and if he couldn't stick to that time he shouldn't have given it. But, without dwelling on that, I hope you are finding the strength you need to take on this next stage of treatment. With every breath, there is always, always hope. Jana xxxxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David A Posted June 25, 2004 Share Posted June 25, 2004 Go Earl go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have this biggest cheerleading squad in the world cheering you on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margaret Posted June 25, 2004 Share Posted June 25, 2004 You guys know that we are all in your corner for this fight. I will hold you close in mind, heart and prayers...you both are an inspiration. Blessings, Margaret Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamie Posted June 25, 2004 Share Posted June 25, 2004 Ginny, Thinking, caring, praying, hoping, ect.. for you and Earl. Take it easy darling! Jamie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karen335 Posted June 25, 2004 Share Posted June 25, 2004 Ginny, I am so glad that Earl is the fighter he is and you are his advocate. He is so blessed to have you there for him and i admire your strength. Glad to hear Earl is eating so he can keep up some of his strength. Ginny, can't they do stereotactic radiation. I don't think it would be as tough as the WBR. You are both always in my prayers... God Bless, prayers and hugs, Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fall54 Posted June 25, 2004 Share Posted June 25, 2004 Ginny, Thank God there is another path to travel. My prayers are that Earl responds well to his new treatment. Of Course he is a fighter... He has you as his wife!!! The last thing in this world he wants is to give up and leave you, and the love you two have is the best and biggest motivator of all ) God Bless you Both, Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berisa Posted June 25, 2004 Share Posted June 25, 2004 Ginny, undoubtly you and Earl have our all supports. We love you and Earl. Earl is a real fighter that I find his respect to life in his eyes....His spirit inside is such strong no matter how weak his body & flesh is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TBone Posted June 25, 2004 Share Posted June 25, 2004 I am praying that the WBR works.You and Earl are indredibly strong and a real inspiration to this board.TBone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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