Where are we today?
Stratford, Ontario
Monday,
Today was not an overall good day for Geo. The transport to London was difficult for him as he was on a stretcher and going over bumpy roads. Very tiring for him.
We are going to try for radiation treatment in London, if a bed can be arranged at Victoria Hospital for his treatment. The radiation is done over 10 days Monday to Friday. Not sure about the weekends but we will see. I plan to talk to London about arranging for Geo to spend the time at Victoria if a bed is available. I was told it would be 2 weeks before radiation would start. From the discussion, chemotherapy would have more side effects. I don’t think that chemo is going to be an option because he is too weak.
Tuesday,
His #1 daughter was with me today when we had a discussion with the doctor about several things. He was able to answer her questions and concerns about her Dad.
Discharging him from the hospital is not an option at the moment and they are in no hurry. The doctor has ordered palliative physio to get him stronger. Spending time in bed is making him weak. At the moment we are focused on pain control, then eating and then mobility. The doctor has ordered a SubQ (under the skin type IV for pain delivery. This will give him a constant low dose of pain med and Geo can ask for extra when needed. This will be easier on him as the med can be administered without waking him up.
He did try to work on the computer but couldn’t focus.
At the moment he not liking solid food. He had chocolate ice cream for lunch and vanilla for supper. Preferred vanilla. He gets full very quickly and we think it is because of the accumulation of fluid in his abdomen.
Wednesday,
His abdomen has fluid and was drained it today. At one point we thought it was done previously, which was not the case. Yesterday we thought that might explain why he had no pain from Oct 11th to 22nd. This drain was done at his bedside. For him, it was painful as he hates needles, even having blood taken he jumps, so we warn everyone when a needle is involved. He was tired after the procedure.
His #2 daughter and #3 grand-daughter came for a visit today. #3 grand-daughter recently had a birthday. She opened her birthday card which really pleased Geo. At one point #3 grand-daughter bought several things for herself from her birthday money. She had to show her grandfather. He was so pleased by this. When they were getting ready to leave, I lifted her up to say goodbye. I am so pleased that her mother sent me the photo below.
We had a visit from the minister of the church I attended during my childhood and teenage years. She is also a cousin. Her grandfather and my grandfather were brothers. During our younger years the 2 families got together regularly, especially over Christmas. I have a lot of great memories of those years. My sister and brother-in-law also visited. They have been away for about 2 weeks and it was great to see them again.
He was very alert for these visits. I believe the adjustment in his pain med has contributed to his alertness.
Last night for the first time, I used a service called Skip The Dishes here in Stratford. What an awesome program. I ordered my supper from Boston Pizza. I could track where the delivery person was and knew when it was going to be delivered. At night, when I get home, I have not been prepared to make something for myself. This has given me 3 nights of supper. Makes it so easy for me.
I want to thank you all for your prayers, best wishes and our families. It is greatly appreciated for the support you have given us.
I am calling it a night. It is time for me to get a good night’s sleep. I actually set my alarm to make sure I’m up the following day.
As usual, One Day At A Time.
Appreciate you keeping us all updated Susie. There's a lot of folks out here concerned about you both. Say hello to George for us and tell him I hate those needle things too. I hope they can keep him at London's Victoria Hospital as well especially while undergoing the radiation treatments.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Suzie Glad that they have a plan for George, and they are getting a handle on his pain. I too hope that they will keep him at the London hospital while he has his radiation treatments, to tiring to go aback and forth, especially in the middle of winter. Good for you to order from Skip the Dishes, great way to eat well when you are so busy. Hugs to both of you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Suzie, we certainly have been concerned for both of you.
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers continue.
Hugs from across the miles.
Thanks for the update Suzie. Sounds like you are keeping well informed from the doctors and that is important. Good to hear the pain meds seem to be effective.
ReplyDeleteTake care and all our thoughts are with you and George.
You have no idea how many times I kept checking for an update. Thank you for taking the time. I do know as a caregiver to my parents that you have not one extra free moment of time. So happy that they are finally doing something for George. Glad that you have figured out how to get some food for yourself. Don't forget to be strong in your requests on George's behalf if need be. No reason that his health care can't pay for a bed in London as opposed to where he is tonight. Not an unreasonable request. Remind them how much money they will save in transport back and forth, etc. You are his advocate at the moment. Hang it there, both of you. George, we know that you want to be writing your posts one your own and that will come. Meanwhile Suzie is doing and awesome job!.
ReplyDeleteIts great Geo has a great wife on his side. I'm sure he is feeling the love. Keep eating and getting stronger George. I miss all the photos of your great meals. And hearing about your walkabouts. Hugs from MI.
ReplyDeleteThank you again for an update. You must be exhausted when you get home. And being able to order yourself some food is a great idea. George's color looks better to me. Sorry he had such a rough day being brought back to the hospital closer to you. Your family has been so awesome with help. As with the others I hope he can stay in the hospital where he will receive treatment. Blessings to you both
ReplyDeleteThank you Suzie. You are doing an amazing job. Great idea for your dinners. You need to keep your strength up too. Glad George is pretty much pain free. Big hugs to both of you!
ReplyDeleteLoving you both and still praying.
ReplyDeleteYea for SKIP THE DISHES ........��. Thanks, Susie for your updates ……. You all have had a lot of visitors, which will sure keep George smiling! You are doing a super job as side-kick and nurse……… Congratulations that is not easy, running back and forth with such long days....Keep George comfy and toasty warm with that new blanket ! All the best !
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updates Suzie. Sending hugs and prayers your way. Good for you for using Skip The Dishes, you need to look after yourself and that is a good way to get a meal and relax while you are waiting for it.
ReplyDeleteLove to you Suzie, George and family. Praying daily for everyone.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you both in our thoughts and prayers! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the up dates . Prayers for both George and you . Hope for the best. Vern in Boise
ReplyDeleteGreat update Suzie! I've never heard of 'Skip the Dishes', but what a great idea to offer you some extra time. Visits from family and friends are always good, but a visit from GD#3 must be special!
ReplyDeletePraying George gains strength soon and becomes more alert. Thanks you Suzie for the update.
ReplyDeleteFrom personal experience I can tell you that in order to take care of a loved one you must first take care of yourself because it is very easy to burn out and get sick yourself.
ReplyDeleteYou are both blessed to have the support of a caring family as well as friends. Continue to send you both my caring thoughts.
Suzie you are doing a wonderful job with the updates.My prayers continue for you and George
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update Suzie. Blessings to you and all the family. Thinking of George all the time…
ReplyDeletethank you Suzie for finding time to update us on George and yourself. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI know I am echoing everyone else by saying thank you for taking the time to keep us all updated. I am sure at the end of the day the last thing you feel like doing is preparing food. What a great service you found. Love the picture of the three of you. Continued prayers and positive thoughts coming your way. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteSuzie, you have a lot on your plate right now. Thank you for your reports on George’s hospitalization. They are especially meaningful in light of everything else you are dealing with.
ReplyDeleteYou have no idea how grateful we are for your updates on George. And to know how much you care about us to take the time to write these updates is amazing. Having family and dear friends visit brightens everyone's day. Give George a hug from me.
ReplyDeleteFamily and friends are so important for George’s peace of mind. Give him our love, please.
ReplyDeleteI think of you and George every day--so happy to hear how he has been doing. I'm sure it means so much to George to have you constantly by his side, Suzie. Cheerful thoughts and get well wishes for you my friend!Melissa in Albany NY
ReplyDeleteWe appreciate the updates and continue to keep you and George in our prayers. The Hospital and doctors are taking care of George but it's important you take care of yourself so you don't get run down.
ReplyDeleteBe Safe!
It's about time.
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ReplyDeleteMorning Dune BashingIn Dubai
Thanks for the updates Suzie. As everyone has already said, we appreciate the information and the effort it requires of you. I agree with Contessa, you are George's strongest ally and you shouldn't be bashful when asking for things that will make life easier for him and you. Transportation from one place to another is always very difficult for the patient, painful and depressing. Getting his pain under control is so important for everyone. Glad to hear you are taking care of yourself as well.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful for the family visits. They certainly perk up ones spirits. You and George are always in our thoughts Suzie. Take care, be safe.
I appreciate you keeping us informed, Suzie. The sudden and quick changes in life is so unsettling, yet it appears you both are real troopers. A close hug for you and give George one for me too. The blog has been a real favorite of mine for a long time and especially your pleasurable 'meets' with your dog friends and George's food fixin's. PS George, I'm rooting strongly for you, Guy.
ReplyDeleteCan only add more of the same as expressed above. Sending you both strength and energy.
ReplyDeleteSusie
ReplyDeleteI have followed your blog for a long time. I change internet providers, if it hadn't been for Al (Bayfield Bunch) posting about George I would have never known of this.You both are in my wife and I's thoughts and prayers both of our fathers passed away from cancer so agin you're in our thoughts and prayers. We are praying George is not in too much pain and he can stay in the hospital he's ta.
We've been on the road the past days and have been thinking of George. Thanks for the update Suzie and please tell George we are all wishing him the best possible treatments the doctors can provide. Hope getting rid of the pain will help his overall condition. Eating anything is good. Gee ice-cream for dinner, Benno would go for that ;-) All the best!
ReplyDeletePlease give George a big hello from us. Don't give up! Keep going!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for everything you both have been going through. It's important you also take care of yourself. When we've been with Mom at the hospital, we would eat at the hospital cafeteria. Is there one available where he is? It could make it so much easier for you.
ReplyDelete