General Evie's Cancer

[Awakening]

I don't know you, but I wanted to send you my best wishes & all the positive vibes to all of you.

My MIL (now in remission, touch wood) had cancer. My FIL & SIL both have mental illnesses so it came down to my husband & me to be the main support (not that we minded, but it is stressful).

It goes without saying that it's awful (understatement) for the patient, but it's important for the carers to look after themselves too.

I can relate to the feeling of helplessness. My advice is to give Evie all the support you can, but to take time out for yourself & and as a couple. Balance & all that.

Good luck & take care.

 

[Jen]

Hi Kathy and Jim you are two very strong supportive people and Evie is very lucky to have you their to help her through this:claps:

 

[Kathy]

Thank you all, your thoughts and prayers are most appreciated.

Wendy: Yes, bone marrow aspiration is probably the most difficult procedure for Evie, and she's had many procedures over the last while. She's had a couple of spinal taps as well, and remarks that bone marrow is indeed the more painful of the two. I have not heard of chronic meningitis. It sounds rather frightening!

Awakening: Sorry to hear of your family members with cancer, however very courageous of you to care for them on your own. It's sadly all too common that one sibling is saddled with the majority of caretaking responsibilites. Jim and I faced the same issue with his mother, with her Alzheimers. None of the other children were willing to care for her, so the task fell upon us.

Anthony: Thank you once again for your very kind words. And no, we have never found you to be cranky! :tongue: Quite pleasant, actually. I must admit to being selfish in that I am exceedingly grateful I was not present for Evie's aspiration. I simply can't stand seeing any of my children or grandchildren in pain, regardless of age or cause. It never becomes easier no matter how old they are. I find myself feeling so very guilty when I see them in pain, my first thought is always what a bad mother I've been, I think back to times when I've been cross with them and so on, and feel badly about it. It is rather silly, however automatic. And regarding taking time for ourselves, yes we have resumed going on our "date night" once weekly. Though there is not much to do out here in the country, but we do spend at least that one evening alone together. We are quite jealous of it, as it does help us get through the rest of the week.

 

[Portabella]

Evie, Kathy, and Jim you are all in my thoughts and my multiple prayers. Evie ((((Super Big Hugs)))))) Kathy and Jim ((((Hugs)))) for you both too of course.....

 

[Deleted member 93]

My heart goes out to all of you. I am just at a loss for words.

 

[Deleted member 541]

Kathy,

Chronic Viral Meningitis isn't very nice, but non life threatening, so that's a plus. It's basically an inflammation of the spinal column, and lining of the brain. It's very painful, and your head feels like a volcano erupting. Entire back, head, and eyes hurt. You have to be in a darkened quiet room. That is almost impossible as you have to be hospitalized for about 5-7 days. But like I said it's not life threatening.

I do hope that Evie is feeling better, and that things are a little calmer today.

I understand your not wanting to see your children(Evie) in pain. As a parent it's very hard to see them hurt, and we are helpless to help. Don't feel to bad, I think it's a woman thing......

Take care,

Wendy

 

[Kathy]

Portabella, Veiled, and Wendy, thank you once again for your kind thoughts. Veiled, truly it is not necessary to have the "right" words to say, there really are no words that would make any difference to the situation. It is simply gratifying to know you are thinking of us all. Jim and I are grateful, and I believe Evie would be secretly grateful as well, though loathe to admit anything of the sort at the moment. In any event, much appreciated.

Evie is somewhat better today, though not in the best of moods. That is quite understandable given yesterday's ordeal. She can barely walk at this point and is in a fair amount of pain. Thankfully, this usually subsides in about 48 hours, and her mood should improve as the pain reduces.

Wendy, I am pleased to know that your condition is not life threatening, however it sounds quite uncomfortable and bothersome nonetheless. I assume there is treatment or at least medication for pain that you may take? I wish you well.

Thank you all once again for your thoughts and prayers. It certainly does help to ease the situation on our end.

 

[Jen]

Kathy it is normal for a mother to have the thoughts of feeling guilty when your loved ones are suffering. I think we would rather it be us than them when they are not well. I could say to you dont feel guilty but it is natural and as long as we are there for them!
Jen

 

[jods]

Hi Kathy & Jim
You both are amazing people & I'm sure there is a lot of love being sent to you & your family.
If there is anything Rob & I can do for you, please let me know.
BIG HUGS & a kiss on the cheek to you both!

 

[Jim]

Thank you once more for the hugs and kisses Jodee. :-) Not certain what you may do to assist. However. The offer is much appreciated.

Evie had a poor night. Still in a lot of pain. It is a concern, as it should have subsided by now. Needn't mention how the pain is affecting her mood. She's not pleasant to be around at the moment. Though can't blame her considering. The injection site looks nasty and swollen. Might need to take her to hospital to be sure there is no infection.

Jim.

 

[hodge]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear this, Jim. I'm sending prayers.

 

[Deleted member 541]

Jim,

Not positive, but it sounds like the site might be bleeding some on the inside, if so, they do something called a blood patch.....Trip to the hospital might be in order....

Wendy