Here we are at the end of another term. Where did the time go?
My sister had to have a CT on Tuesday to determine whether or not the chemo treatments are doing their job. She called me yesterday with the results. Get ready to do the "Happy Dance" because her spleen is almost back to its normal size, the huge mass at the end of her thoracic duct is gone, and the cancer in her lymph nodes is dissipating. Her husband's comment (once they left the building) was, "I just got my Christmas present." How sweet. Brings tears to one's eyes, doesn't it? MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
Now I don't feel so guilty about leaving her. As my Anatomy & Physiology II Professor stated earlier, "It's not a death sentence." Boy! It sure did feel like one in the beginning.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happier New Yer, everyone. I hope we all continue our blogs.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Week 9
Well ... the move to from Maine to Michigan is finally done. The trip was long, and a bit on the stressful side, but Gabriel, the kitties, the dog, and I are safe. Although, we have to share my son's already cramped little house until I can evict the person who is trespassing in my mobile home. One set of stressors has been replaced with another.
Little sister got a surprise on Monday when she visited her cancer doctor for what she thought was a routine checkup ... she had to undergo another round of treatments. At least this time, she didn't get as sick as she usually does. Maybe she is finally starting to realize that she MUST follow doctor's orders. What a concept!!
In the meantime, I am feeling extremely guilty about leaving her in her hour of need even though she repeatedly told me that moving would be in my best interest. Time will tell.
Little sister got a surprise on Monday when she visited her cancer doctor for what she thought was a routine checkup ... she had to undergo another round of treatments. At least this time, she didn't get as sick as she usually does. Maybe she is finally starting to realize that she MUST follow doctor's orders. What a concept!!
In the meantime, I am feeling extremely guilty about leaving her in her hour of need even though she repeatedly told me that moving would be in my best interest. Time will tell.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Week 8
Seriously!?! Week 8 already? Where did the time go?
My sister is gaining ground day by day this week. She actually managed to get out of bed Tuesday and get dressed. This round of treatments really kicked her behind; complete with sores in her mouth, and a raw tongue and throat - all of which are much better. Today, she actually ate food. In fact, her appetite was insatiable. I hope she continues to eat voraciously ... maybe she will gain back the weight she has lost since this treatment and the last one. I will wager than she is 95 lbs soaking wet, and she started out at 112. It kills me to watch her suffer, especially when I look at her and see our mother during her battle with colon cancer. Breaks my heart. (I miss you so much, Mom.)
My heart is also breaking because I will not be around to make sure she drinks enough liquid, takes her medicine when and how she is supposed to, eats properly, and above all get rest because I am packing up the contents of my house to move to Michigan to live closer to my son (this is his idea, and my sister is demanding that I go). I will be worrying on a daily basis that her immediately family - hubby and daughters - will stay on top of things. Lord knows, they are not doing that now. Heck! They won't even make sure to cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough around her. Don't they realize that she now has ZERO immune system. She can't fight even the weakest of viral or bacterial infections!!!
On a different note, even though I am not looking forward to moving yet again, I am excited about today because my handsome, 6' 3-12" red-headed Irish boy's plane will be touching down at our local airport at 11:00 a.m - complete with his best friend in tow. Oh Happy Day!!
My sister is gaining ground day by day this week. She actually managed to get out of bed Tuesday and get dressed. This round of treatments really kicked her behind; complete with sores in her mouth, and a raw tongue and throat - all of which are much better. Today, she actually ate food. In fact, her appetite was insatiable. I hope she continues to eat voraciously ... maybe she will gain back the weight she has lost since this treatment and the last one. I will wager than she is 95 lbs soaking wet, and she started out at 112. It kills me to watch her suffer, especially when I look at her and see our mother during her battle with colon cancer. Breaks my heart. (I miss you so much, Mom.)
My heart is also breaking because I will not be around to make sure she drinks enough liquid, takes her medicine when and how she is supposed to, eats properly, and above all get rest because I am packing up the contents of my house to move to Michigan to live closer to my son (this is his idea, and my sister is demanding that I go). I will be worrying on a daily basis that her immediately family - hubby and daughters - will stay on top of things. Lord knows, they are not doing that now. Heck! They won't even make sure to cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough around her. Don't they realize that she now has ZERO immune system. She can't fight even the weakest of viral or bacterial infections!!!
On a different note, even though I am not looking forward to moving yet again, I am excited about today because my handsome, 6' 3-12" red-headed Irish boy's plane will be touching down at our local airport at 11:00 a.m - complete with his best friend in tow. Oh Happy Day!!
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