Monday, November 16, 2009

We've taken another step on the journey out of hell. Chemotherapy has started and so far, so good.
In the interest of trying to save George's hearing (already poor) the chemotherapy oncologist has decided to use a different chemo drug than originally planned. This type is not as effective but will help preserve his hearing. The positive side of this negative situation is that he should not have any hair loss and he will keep at least some of his hearing.
The treatment takes about 5 hours. They give him 2 different pain medications, Atavan and then 3 different IV bags. The combination of pain killers and anxiety medication puts him to sleep almost immediately. I may visit for a few minutes at a time or bring him something to drink, read, etc., but because of a lack of space I cannot stay in the infusion room with him. That leaves me to wait at the doorway to hell. I cannot sit in that waiting room; maybe with time I will be able to, but I am not quite ready to face the reality of the road ahead. Selfish...sure...,closed-minded...,probably...but for right now it is not something I can do.
Radiation was supposed to begin this week as well but a fistula has opened at the suture site of the stoma and that must be healed first.
Add another thing to the list of things I can now do---I can clean and pack an open wound as well as anyone!
At this point in time George is doing better than I am. He's healing very well (except for the fistula)and his determination and spirits are high. I am exhausted, short-tempered and very emotional. Scheduling his treatments, tests and doctor's visits has been a staggering undertaking and has pushed my job and my emotions to the very edge.
Putting his treatments on hold was the last nudge I needed to fall over that edge and, once again, I find myself sitting in a plastic chair crying like I'm five and my chocolate bar has been taken away.
Good Lord, I am tired. I've raised two children and have been with my grandson almost every day - and night - of his 14 years. I equate my exhaustion now with the exhaustion I experienced when they were very small. There does not seem to be much difference.....except that I am soooo much older now!!!!
I know this will get worse before it gets better but I'm sure some sleep and a decent meal (eating in the bathroom where he can't see me eat what he can't have doesn't count) would make it a little easier to bear.
My brain is fried, my emotions parallel the roller coaster at our local theme park and my patience runs the gamut from overflowing to missing in action. I pray for strength: strength to wade through this jungle; strength to be everything George needs me to be and strength to not lose myself while trying to obtain the first two.

8 comments:

  1. Oh sweetie, things have been building up inside you and are about to burst and you know what.....it's okay. You deserve too be able to cry, be frustrated or get angry angry.....you will have good days again and even more bad days but you will survive all this.....so glad George won't loose his hair, I found that part devastating... hang in there my friend....always in my heart and prayers....:-)Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for all the love and support, Bernie. Sometimes I am just so overwhelmed I don't know which way to turn. Your comments and your blog always brighten my day :-). My new blog friends are such a gift. Hope all is well with you. I have to get over to your blog to catch up...BTW - loved that new purse...sooo cute.
    Huggz
    Q

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello, Quieten...I don't usually comment on Tuesdays...but your comment on my blog let me know that you had been online, and I hurried over to see how everything is going...and oh, I am so very, very sorry...I remember the exhaustion so well...(while caring for my Mom)...and you know what? It's okay if you scream and cry...I'll join you!!! And I want you to know that I pray daily for you both...This is so very, very hard...and you are so very, very tired. I love you. And wish there were more I could do to help...please know that you are continually in my thoughts as you face the gates... With much love, Janine XO

    ReplyDelete
  4. Dear Quieten
    Oh, I'm so sorry it's so hard for you right now.
    I shall be keeping you in my good thoughts and prayers.
    Take good care dear!

    I am taking a break from blogging as I need to stay off the computer for a while ...Dr's orders!
    So, till I am here again I wish you all the very best!

    Margie
    XX

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Quieten,
    I still think that you are doing an amazing job.
    I do believe that all of the feelings of exhaustion, frustration, and even anger are natural and you seem to handle it all so well. You know Quieten, we're all only human. You are doing your very best and that is all that anyone can ask of you. I will keep you and your husband in my prayers. I think that you are awesome!
    Love Di

    ReplyDelete
  6. Diana -Just when I think I can't go any further I read your comments and immediatley feel better. Thank you so very much! Hope Katie's chin is all better :-)
    Huggz
    Q

    ReplyDelete
  7. Margie - your prayers and thoughts are so deeply appreciated. Hope all is well with you and we see you back blogging real soon.
    Huggz,
    Q

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello! Just stopping by to see how you are, my friend!!! You are amazing, strong and an inspiration!! Sending you much love, Janine XO

    ReplyDelete