Hi,
Update, and probably the
last for a while! Was not able to have more
chemo treatments after end of April, as platelets were refusing to hold up. I had told Dr. Boleti some time ago that I
wanted to see my family in Colorado before it
became impossible.
At our last consultation
on May 26, she suggested traveling in a
couple of weeks! Not much time(!). But Jenefer sprang into action, began
liaising w/British Airways, my local
doctors, my brother and sister-in-law, Bill & Mariel in Parker, Co. (In meantime, I was hospitalized following a
CAT scan that showed a compressed fracture
causing severe back pain.) Some
morphine and a couple of days of bed rest cleared that up. But Boleti decided to keep me in until we
left for Parker, and a date of June 3 was
arranged. Had to travel w/oxygen, and for comfort's
ease, Jen suggested we fly
first class! And I'm glad she did! She had laid everything on for London
departure and Denver
arrival (including all the red tape to get medications thru
Customs!). In meantime, Bill & Mariel had made
arrangements for hospice care
at their home (bed,
walker, oxygen, etc., etc); ambulance met plane at Denver
Int'l. and whisked us to
Parker, and I was ensconced in my new home!
The hospice nurse and
the team leader, and the admin person all came to house on the
next two days to
organize schedule. Nurse will visit once
a week, nurse assistant
twice a week to keep me
clean (!), and they will do an evaluation every 90 days.
There is no cancer
treatment prescribed -- further chemo is a non-starter. So
looks like the end of
the line has finally arrived. But, all kinds of pain relievers are working very
well, so can't complain!
Still feel pretty tired,
but am taking it very easy, enjoying tasty food hand-prepared in Mariel's kitchen
(aren't I lucky she's such a good cook!), Jen's keeping me on my pain
pill schedule and
hovering like the Mother Hen, and Bill is running the errands
and looking after all
our well-being (including keeping an eye on the storm
warnings!☺).
All the nieces and
family have been to visit a couple of times, and are all returning again
today. It is just so GREAT to see them all!!!
So, guys, I just wanted
to say this while I'm still - more or less - compos mentis.
You all have been so supportive
especially during these past two years,
and so helpful in
keeping our spirits up! But I think at
this point I’d like to say what a true pleasure it has been for me to have had
you as friends for all these years.
Confidants, buddies, mentors, giggling chums – you name it: I wouldn’t
change one minute of the days gone by!
We’ve shared lots of stuff, and I’d just like to say thanks for always
being there.
SO, dear friends, I
guess this is a bientot and hasta la vista – would love to see you all one more
time, but if not, once we’ve all passed through those pearly gates!
I’ll ask Jenefer to
up-date this every 30 days or so to let you know when it’s all history – so
even though you won’t be receiving daily reports, please know that you’re all
in my thoughts and prayers forever.
It’s been a great run!
MA
